The Forgotten Kin Aunts and Uncles [Hardcover]

In this book, Milardo demonstrates how aunts and uncles contribute to the daily lives of parents and their children.In this path-breaking assessment of families, sociologist Robert M. Milardo demonstrates how aunts and uncles contribute to the daily lives of parents and their children. Aunts and uncles complement the work of parents, sometimes replace that work, and sometimes form entirely unique brands of intimacy grounded in a lifetime of shared experiences. The Forgotten Kin aims to change the public discourse on families and renew an appreciation for the fundamentals of family ensembles and personal intimacies grounded in multiple relationships.In this path-breaking assessment of families, sociologist Robert M. Milardo demonstrates how aunts and uncles contribute to the daily lives of parents and their children. Aunts and uncles complement the work of parents, sometimes replace that work, and sometimes form entirely unique brands of intimacy grounded in a lifetime of shared experiences. The Forgotten Kin aims to change the public discourse on families and renew an appreciation for the fundamentals of family ensembles and personal intimacies grounded in multiple relationships.Although much is written about contemporary families, the focus is typically limited to marriage and parenting. In this path-breaking assessment of families, sociologist Robert M. Milardo demonstrates how aunts and uncles contribute to the daily lives of parents and their children. Aunts and uncles complement the work of parents, sometimes act as second parents, and sometimes form entirely unique brands of intimacy grounded in a lifetime of shared experiences. The Forgotten Kin explores how aunts and uncles support parents, buffer the relationships of parents and children, act as family historians, and develop lifelong friendships with parents and their children. This is the first comprehensive study of its kind, detailing the routine activities of aunts and uncles, the features of families lS!