You're listening to life kit from NPR.
Hey, everybody, it's Marielle.
When I was a little girl, I spent time with my Titi Margot at her house in Albany.
I remember sitting together on the green corduroy couch in their living room watching spanish game shows and telenovelas.
She'd duck in and out of the kitchen to stir whatever she had on the stove.
When I wanted a cuddle, I would crawl up next to her body and she'd play with my hair.
Sometimes she painted my nails.
I felt fancy.
I felt loved.
I felt safe.
It's a special relationship, the one between a Tia and her niece or between a kid and any supportive non parent who plays a big part in their life.
That could be an auntie or an uncle, a godparent, a family friend or next door neighbor who you start calling uncle Frank or Zia or whatever.
They're not our parents.
They don't have the primary responsibility of raising us, so they get to have a little more fun with us when we're young.
They spoil us.
They buy us ice cream when we've already had plenty of sugar that day.
And then as we get older, they become confidants, the keepers of our secrets.
But while theres endless advice out there for parents, theres not much specifically for how to be in this non parent supportive role.
And reporter producer Mayowa Ina, whos an auntie herself, wanted to change that.
On this episode of Life Kit, how to be a good auntie or uncle or whichever name you go by, Mayowa will talk about how to build those relationships, come up with routines, and create a safe space for the kids in your life.