By Becky Steinberg

Daniel Julez Knowles sat next to his Aunt Beyonce at the Grammy Awards. The adorable five-year-old son of Beyonce's sister Solange took the stage with Uncle Jay-Z to help accept the award for best rap/hip-hop collaboration. When asked if Julez wanted to add to the acceptance speech, he made a statement that would make any aunt proud. “No thanks,” he replied. A little man with manners? Adorable!

We can’t help but think Bey had a role in creating Julez’s polite demeanor. After all, she is a wonderful role model. Although she is flooded with congratulations—especially after winning a record-breaking six Grammy Awards this year—she remains humble and hardworking. Don’t let her divalicious alter ego, “Sasha Fierce,” fool you. On stage, the star turns it on but out of limelight she’s known for her humble attitude.

Beyonce and Julez manage to spend lots of time together. Not only does Beyonce shop with Julez and bring him to award shows and film shoots, she also includes him in her work. They appeared together in a Nintendo DS commercial.

Since wedding rapper Jay-Z a year ago, the media has been asking if Beyonce plans to have children soon. In interviews, she maintains that it’s simply not her time: “I definitely want [a child] but I’m not ready for all that. I don’t think a person should see that before their time. I fall in love with my nephew every time I see him.”

We can all take a lesson from Aunt Beyonce here: The only expectations that matter are those of your niece or nephew. Focusing on the expectations of others will only detract from all the beautiful experience of being an aunt. Teach the little ones in your life to be confident and strong by setting the example. Every little tyke deserves a super-star auntie in their life!

Photo: Concreteloop.com

Becky Steinberg is a senior at Boston University, where she will graduate with degrees in public relations and Spanish in May 2010.