Aunt facts for kids
An aunt is a special family member. She is a woman who is the sister of one of your parents. An aunt can also be a woman who is married to your parent's sibling (your uncle). People sometimes call their aunts "Auntie" or "Aunty".
If you are a boy, you are your aunt's nephew. If you are a girl, you are her niece. Your aunt is part of your extended family, which includes more than just your parents and siblings. The child of your aunt is your cousin. Sometimes, people use the word "aunt" for someone who isn't related by blood or marriage. They do this to show they feel close to that person or to show respect.
In many cultures around the world, there are different words for your mother's sister and your father's sister. For example, in Latin, your mother's sister was called matertera. Your father's sister was called amita.
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Understanding Different Aunts
It's helpful to know the different ways someone can be your aunt. This helps you understand your family tree better.
Maternal and Paternal Aunts
- A maternal aunt is your mother's sister. She is related to you through your mother.
- A paternal aunt is your father's sister. She is related to you through your father.
Aunts by Marriage (In-laws)
An "in-law" is a family member who is related to you through marriage, not by blood.
- An aunt-in-law is usually the wife of your uncle. She could also be your spouse's aunt.
- A co-aunt-in-law is the wife of your spouse's uncle.
Other Types of Aunts
- Half-aunt: This is your parent's half-sister. A half-sister shares only one parent (either your grandparent) with your parent.
- Double half-aunt: This is a very rare situation. It means a person is a half-sibling to both of your parents. This happens if your parents share one parent, and that shared parent also had another child with someone else.
- Grandaunt or great-aunt: This is the sister of your grandparent.
- Great-grandaunt: This is the sister of your great-grandparent.
Images for kids
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Aunts by generation
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