During the early years of boys and girls, it’s common for mom and dad to be the role models, of course, it doesn’t have to stop there. I used to look up to all the grownups in my family – each of them for different reasons.
Being surrounded by good people is wonderful for a child.
Not everyone has the luxury of having good qualities to see, copy, and eventually learn. Having responsible and caring people around you, early in life, can make a world of difference.
But did you know that aunts are almost as important as the mother during a girl’s childhood? At least that is what psychologist and family expert Steve Biddulph claims.
Girls need aunt’s support
He says that we often place the role model of a girl on the mother, but that’s not enough. Her aunt or grandma, for example, can be extremely helpful, explained Biddulph in ABC’s podcast Parental As Everything.
He started by suggesting that there is constant pressure on teenage girls which mainly comes from the internet, social media and the ancient habit of sexualizing everything about women. The expert believes that support and role models outside the parents are vital for the development of a young girl.
In this context, all the extended family can play a crucial role.
“One of the things that we know is that, for example, something every 12-year-old girl knows for sure is that she doesn’t want to turn out like her mom,” said Biddulph in the podcast.
Have a drink or spend the night
He continues:
“They don’t want to listen to you but they still need someone to listen to. Aunts are a pillar of mental health for girls. It doesn’t have to be a blood relationship, it’s just somebody around your mom’s age who loves you too.”
Biddulph travels the world and gives lectures on family issues. He advises everyone who has siblings to try to forge a strong bond with them – for example, by regularly meeting for lunch or coffee, according to Pretty52.
So, stand proud aunts and grandmas! – you are as important as a mother! Now press that share button to spread this important information!
