We remember the earlier days of motherhood when we depended on family and friends to step in and help out with childcare, babysitting, etc. Every parent knows that these people can be lifesavers! Today’s conversation takes a look at the people known as “Super Aunts” or “Auntie-Armies,” as they are sometimes called. Join us for a closer look with today’s guest!

Shari Curtis is one such Super Aunt who has been a close friend of Gayle’s family for many years. Shari is a Strategic Communications Consultant and Government Program Manager in the DMV who has lived in many places both in the US and abroad. Her career began in New Jersey and moved her to Los Angeles, New York City, and the Virgin Islands. Shari is currently located in Washington, DC, where she holds down leadership positions that allow her to travel extensively. She enjoys the love of her amazing family, a supportive village of extended family members, and a host of true and genuine friends.

Show Highlights:

• Why Shari shares a close relationship with her nieces and nephew, being engaged in their lives from the beginning and loving them as her own
• How Shari navigates her family relationships in being a “welcome member of the tribe”
• Why Shari has built her life around children, even though she is a childless aunt
• How Shari views her auntie role as an advisor, mentor, and confidante
• Why an aunt or uncle should share stories from the past to give greater perspective on the family
• How Shari made a pact with her nieces and nephew to encourage their good behavior and reward them with a trip anywhere in the world for their 13th birthday
• How Shari helped cultivate the “foodies” in her nieces and nephew by helping them learn about other cultures, cuisines, and customs–always teaching them to view the world through an equity lens
• Shari’s advice to others about the role of a Super Aunt
• How childless aunts and uncles can help “fill in the gaps” and provide extra things for nieces and nephews
• Why a childless person should never feel like they are falling short of the expectations and family heritage
• How Shari has received many benefits in her life through her closeness with her nieces and nephew, always looking for opportunities to “hang out”
• Why most of us don’t know that National Aunt and Uncle Day is the third Sunday in July
• How Shari processes the information her nieces and nephew share with her–and decides what needs to be shared with their parents
• Why the best way to engage with your nieces or nephews is to ask questions
• Why Shari doesn’t look at her past interactions as an aunt with regret but knows that every word and piece of advice came from a place of love and care

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