An ode to aunties and uncles, and the ways they shape us

When the devastating news of Dolly Parton’s passing reached the world, it was delivered by someone very dear to her – her nephew Bryan Seaver.That the man who knew her as Aunty Dolly was trusted with carrying this message highlights the important, but under-recognised role of aunts and uncles in a child's life.We celebrate mother's day, father's day, and even invite the grandparents along to kindy once a year to partake in special craft activities, but are we overlooking the role of our beloved aunties and uncles?