Witnessing my nieces grow up with me

As an aunt at such a young age, I believe I’ve narrowed down some reflections on caring for my nieces throughout the years. This article is a projection of my feelings as an aunt who was a child and who is now a young adult. You may learn something useful if you are in the same situation or if your own family is growing.

Witnessing my nieces grow up with me

Upbringing is one of the most special parts

I started being an aunt when I was 9 years old, a daughter of my eldest sister that I have a huge age gap. It wasn’t easy being a tita at such a young age. I was still a child at the time, and not having my parents’ undivided attention was difficult for me and my siblings.

I often find myself jealous because they provide such delicate care for my nieces when I am just a kid–their youngest for that matter, myself. Now that I am an adult, I’ve come to understand that children, especially babies, require more love, protection, and care.

I think a child’s upbringing has a significant impact on the kind of person they end up being in the future. We are all born from our mothers, and being an infant in this world, we require guidance from our families. They take care of us, feed us, nurture us, teach us, guide us, and are loved by them.

Kids would revolve their passion and think from the people who surround and love them. I want to believe that my nieces will grow up to be responsible adults. But first and foremost, I recognize that I must serve as a role model for them.

Eloise

My very first niece is Eloise, she’s a good girl, reserved, and now a moody teenager. I was only in elementary when she came along. I remember looking at her face and I didn’t really understand then that this baby was my niece. Having no idea how to be an aunt, all I wanted to do was watch and play.

I currently get along well with my first niece. She was a pain in the ass, constantly asking me questions I had no idea how to answer. Because I was still growing up alongside her, but that’s how kids are. Now that she’s a teenager and I’m a young adult, I see myself in her, struggling to make sense of our lives.

You’re gonna be great Eloise, don’t be so hard on yourself. You are beautiful, artistic, and passionate. Whatever you become, I would be happy for you. Just stay off boys for now and be sure your crushes are only happy crushes! You rascal, hahaha.

Alexa

Alexa is now in elementary school, and she was the sweetest baby I’d ever met. She was a people pleaser, especially to me because I was a moody teenager at the time she entered the picture. She had more questions than her sister and unquestionably more love to give.

I don’t know if it’s because she’s in elementary now, but I find myself irritated by how quickly she grew up! Alexa has her own opinions now and is not afraid to speak up. The once pleasant, sweet little girl, knows how to stand her ground and not be afraid even though she’s wrong. Haha!

Alexa, you thought my being compassionate can go a long way. I wasn’t the best tita for you and Eloise since I was still a young girl, however, growing up with you guys is really fun. You both can pass up as my little sisters instead of nieces, but that’s not the case. For the time being, I’d be here for your complicated life as a child until you grow up.

Aya Calista

My third niece is the first baby I had the opportunity to name. Calista is such a lovely name fit for my beautiful niece. She’s only two years old and was born during Covid-19. We couldn’t see her much and only got to video chat with her and my sister for a year before the protocol for covid was phased out.

Reasons Why You Should Have A Cat at Home

I remember when she first visited our home and I took her away from her mom, my sister. Calista hugged me and even gave me a kiss. This baby is the first baby I felt that I had to protect. I experienced that with my two nieces, but this time, I was more mature and capable of taking care of my family.

Aya, you’re only two and I hope you can properly talk with us soon. I actually can’t wait this time to answer the questions you have about this chaotic world. I hope your mom would do you right for I believe this is the appropriate age she should have given birth to her first child. But now there are three of you, and as the youngest child, please be nice to your siblings. I’m a more capable tita now for you, so I can say that I can be here for you as you grow up too.

Aster Celestia

She is the second niece I named. Celestia is such a charismatic name and I am so glad my second sister approved of my name suggestion. I appreciate it, and I believe that’s what brings me closer to my youngest niece. I’m so happy seeing her and having her in my arms as the months go by.

I know I wasn’t this happy and caring for my first two nieces because I was still a child myself. But with Aster now, I really want to see her grow up before my eyes. I’m only in my early twenties and about to graduate from college, but I know that this was the ideal age for me to become an aunt for this connection with my niece really feels different.

Our dear Celestia, I was happy that you were a girl even though all your three cousins were girls already. I’m happy that you exist, you bring me joy every time I see you. And I can’t wait to celebrate your first birthday. I believe my second sister is more of a fitting mother than our eldest sister, so please be a loving little girl to her. You are her world, and you are indeed loved so much.