I will never be an aunt.

[Rubyred24]

I have two DD both planed. DB and DD both mid 30s and both married. Neither want children. To be honest all four baby understand why I would want them. They are quiet strict with mine and don't have a lot of patience but they all love them and have them stop over at theirs.

Growing up I didn't see my cousins so I know they aren't missing out however I am slightly envious when I see families meeting up or holidaying together. I only really socialise with family and I just feel a bit sad. There are multiple sets of sisters at my kids school who all share the school run and I'd assume it would bring them closer.

One thing that's worried me a little is whether my DC will have to take responsibility for their childless aunts/uncles when they're older.

Obviously, it's decades in the future, but I've seen it happen with great-aunts/uncles in recent years and it's difficult if you don't live close by and/or know them terribly well. My FIL had to make decisions about his aunt's care when she was suffering from dementia and couldn't cope at home anymore. It wasn't easy, because he didn't know her as well as he did his own parents, IYSWIM.

Slightly off-topic I know!

My sister has children and I am childfree by choice. She would love me to have kids as we live very close by and it would be nice for my nieces to have cousins.

To be honest, I agree with her! It's been the only thing that's made me seriously consider having children, but obviously it isn't a sufficiently compelling reason to actually do it. Besides, my nieces are now 3 and 5 so any child I had would have a large age gap.

If your DC are about to leave primary, the ship on this has well and truly sailed anyway, OP. With an age gap that large they'd never play together.

I get that it's a nice pipe dream, but there's no more point being envious of those with close cousins than there is of being envious of those with nicer houses. The grass is always greener on the other side.

@FourPlasticRings I know they won't. It would have been nice if we could have all raised kids 10 years ago. I know it won't happen it's too late for that. It just got me thinking last night. I don't see what's wrong with that to be honest.

@AmICrazyorWhat2 my siblings and I took care of 2 great uncles and great aunts who never had children. We were the only ones to visit them in hospital. Arranged their funerals. Sold their homes etc so I think you're right.

@thatmustbenigelwiththebrie thank you for your comments and for understanding.

Obviously if you're only having children for your sisters sake then it isn't a good idea and I do realise this. Both siblings and in laws have said they would be crap parents and think too much about their own wants.

One thing that's worried me a little is whether my DC will have to take responsibility for their childless aunts/uncles when they're older.

I'm childless and I don't expect my nephew to take any responsibility for me. He'll have plenty to do with his own parents.

@Rubyred24 It's not a problem as long as everyone's organised and on the same page, my FIL managed, it was just tricky at times when he wasn't sure what his aunt would want. Anyway, it is what it is.

I’m another only child, and DH is the oldest in his family. However one if his siblings has had a baby within the last few days so it’s very exciting to be an auntie for the first time! Our kids are 6 and 10 so there will be a big age gap but I’m still so delighted they have cousins. They have second cousins already but I’m conscious that is a more distant relationship. However their new cousin was born abroad so goodness knows when we will get to meet the new baby.

@Wincher Congratulations. I can't imagine the excitement. This is all I meant. Expanding the family.