In traditional narratives, the mother is usually central to child-rearing. But in practice, many childhoods have also been shaped by aunts, grandmothers, older sisters, and other female family members who provide love, guidance, and presence. Their role, though often unseen, is profoundly transformative.

Why are they so important?

1. Care networks
In many cultures, child-rearing is a collective responsibility. The women in the family act as a support network, especially during times of crisis, teenage motherhood, or the absence of a father figure.

2. Transmission of knowledge and culture
Grandmothers teach recipes, stories, and values; aunts are confidantes; older sisters act as role models. Each bond brings a distinct emotional dimension.

3. Emotional co-motherhood
These figures also comfort, contain, celebrate achievements and help to correct mistakes, often with a different but equally necessary tenderness.

How can we strengthen these ties?

• Actively involve them in raising their children.

• Acknowledge their contribution: a simple "thank you" can be very powerful.

• Create family rituals: meals, walks, game nights.

• It allows children to build secure attachments with other adult women.

Parenting is not a solitary task. It's a loving network that extends far beyond the maternal role. And within that invisible fabric, feminine power sustains and transforms lives every single day.