Not every cool gal is a mom. Celebrate aunties, great aunts, godmothers and all those women who love other folks’ kids with the mother of all fAUNTastic guides from the Savvy Auntie herself, Melanie Notkin.

Motherhood in America has changed. In fact, nearly 50 percent of American women are not moms, up from 35 percent in 1976. Forty-six percent of women ages 25 to 29 don’t have children, a steep rise from 31 percent in the mid 70s. And nearly one-fifth of women ages 40 to 44 have not given birth, nearly double the rate of 10 percent that we saw 35 years ago.

Gals, I am so excited to introduce you to a new friend who I know you will love! Melanie Notkin is the author of the new book, Savvy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and all Women Who Love Kids. Finally, a guide for women who love kids but may not be mothers, either by choice or by circumstance. Did you know that 50 percent of American women are childless? Melanie has created a movement that I think is amazing (yes, even as a mother of three speaking here!). I’m the first to admit that motherhood isn’t for every woman, and Melanie is bringing women together to talk about the subject in a very celebratory way. Here’s my recent chat with her…

New York Family, May issue: Aunt Appreciation

The Perfect Guide for Aunts

Peeling Mom off the Ceiling with Melanie Notkin

Melanie’s debut publication, “Saavy Auntie: The Ultimate Guide for Cool Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Love Kids” (William Morrow; hardcover $24.99), encompasses tips on everything from “what to expect when she’s expecting,” how to facilitate “QualAuntie” playtime with your niece or nephew, and disenfranchised grief for those who do not have children but want them, to create the first all-inclusive guide to aunthood.

We asked her to spill her top five kid-friendly auntie activities for spring (or should we say “auntivities,” Melanie?)

Author and entrepreneur Melanie Notkin dreamed of being a wife — and especially, a mother. But when life didn’t work out that way, she decided to reshape her journey