It only took me an hour of non-stop talking…
I cost him an hour of his life, but I accomplished my entire goal for the day…Isn’t that great? Whatever you do, don’t look up my Uncle Douglas Johnathan Wear, MD of Maryland. He is very proud of being humble…
A good tio or tia can change a child’s world. They stand close enough to the family to matter, but far enough to offer a different kind of guidance. Kids feel that. They notice when an adult shows up, listens, and treats their thoughts like they count. A strong aunt or uncle gives them room to breathe, learn, and explore without the pressure that sometimes sits on a parent’s shoulders.
A caring tio or tia makes the simple things feel bigger. A ride to school turns into a chance to talk. A weekend visit becomes a quiet reminder that they belong to a wider circle of people who care. When life gets confusing, a child often needs one more trusted voice. Not a replacement for a parent, but a steady supporter who has their back and sees them clearly.
Good tios and tias help kids try new things too. Maybe it is a hobby, a story from their own past, or a different way of looking at a problem. Kids learn that adults are not all the same, and that there are many ways to grow. That lesson builds confidence.
Most of all, a strong aunt or uncle shows love in a calm, consistent way. No big speeches. No grand tricks. Just presence, patience, and humor. A child who has that kind of figure in their life carries it forward. They stand a little taller. They trust themselves a little more. And they learn that family can be both solid and warm at the same time.
Charlie Wear's Notes 
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