Savy Auntie is both a phrase and a movement, both begun by author Melanie Notkin, that gives a place and meaning to a growing demographic of men and women; the childless and child-free that still want to love the kids in their lives. Melanie Notkin is careful to include Moms with kids in her Savy Auntie description, but I personally feel that the Savy Auntie (or uncle) moniker is much more needed for those of us who cannot fit into the cultural boxes of mother/father.
As for the book, Savy Auntie, it wasn't quite what I expected, though in some ways it was probably more than I anticipated. The book is essentially a condensed guide to "parenting" condensed because as an auntie/uncle you don't need to know as much as a parent does. It guides the reader through infancy, toddler/kindergarten, and beyond, with tips and tricks for those who want to be very involved in a child's life without being a parent. As someone who is not an auntie yet, but an older sister (and child-free), I didn't find the book to have much relevancy to this stage in my life, and as the oldest of six kids I found much of the information to be "old hat" anyway. But it was still a very engaging read, and most likely an invaluable resource for those first-time aunties and uncles who are nervous and don't know what to do; never fear! Melanie has the answers for you!
I would give the book a four out of five. The only additional thing I would have liked to see would have been more focus on relating to older kids/teenagers, as that has more relevance to my life right now than babies and toddlers. But an excellent resource and great inspiration and encouragement for those who want to love kids but not have them!
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