Thank You to My Parenting Village
When it comes to parenting, they (whoever ‘they’ are) say “it takes a village”. I whole-heartedly believe this is true. As a working-mom, I rely on my village to make it all happen. Carpools, playdates, meal swaps – my village works together to make sure our kids are dropped off, picked up, fed, have presents for parties and uniforms for games.
But not just working parents need the village. Stay-at-home moms and dads need the village too. They need a break from their precious darlings or they need back-up when they have four kids playing two sports each with games in different parts of the state. Bottom line, all parents need a village.
What’s amazing about my village is how efficient it is, how seamlessly our villagers work to ensure the best for every child. The other day, my son was standing in front of the school waiting to be picked up. In the mere minutes that he waited, two of my friends checked to see if he had a ride. They talked to the mother picking him up to make sure he was taken care of. My son was not crying, he did not look distressed, but my friends in my village know the routine and they saw him in front a minute past when he normally is out there. They made sure he was accounted for.
Having a village full of aware, considerate friends is more valuable than a job, a pay check or any other material thing. My village watches out for my kids, shares tips and advice and picks me up on the low days we all have as parents. We celebrate as a village too. Lost teeth, passing the big test, learning to ride a bike; we rejoice as a village, thus making every celebration more monumental for our children. The village, and the people of my village are amazing, unique and keep me balanced.
Thank you to my wonderful village, you make my heart full and my worries less.
What do you want to thank your village for?
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Great post, Paige. I’d like to thank my village for encouraging me as a young mother and continuing to walk beside me during the hard times and the teenage years. ♥ Diane
Diane – Just so you know – you’re on tap to help me through the teenage years. I think my son will be ok, but my daughter will be TOUGH!
I had a great village, also!!! As a young mom I had the Navy community and it was an awesome support system when I did not have family around!!! I am happy to say that my village helped us raise two wonderful grown sons who now are exceeding all of my hopes and dreams for them! But we did not do it alone….great post. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Beth Ann. Non-family villagers have been crucial in our lives too! Isn’t it amazing how friends can become surrogate family?
My village helped out in a pinch yesterday. Twice. My in-laws live close and adore their 2 (and only) grandchildren!
You are one lucky lady Jamie! Do they need more gandkids? I could send mine fed-ex (with holes in the box for breathing of course).
It’s wonderful that you have so much support. It really does take a village. Unfortunately for us, we made the brilliant decision to move to another state before having our daughter, so we don’t have any family near. We don’t have very much help, but we do greatly appreciate the support that we do get from time to time from our friends. Every little bit helps!
Jeff – I can empathisize. We moved to a new town (it’s not big enough to be a city) when I was pregnant with my oldest. The closest person we knew was 45 minutes away. In the last couple of years our family has moved closer, but not close enough for day to day things. We rely 90% on our friends and they have become our extended family. The people I call family today were strangers seven years ago. I wish the same good fortune for you.
I find that, while the village is quite necessary – it’s always there, and you find the village members whenever you need them.
If I had to thank my village? It wouldn’t be for what they did for me in my absence (although the pick-ups and carpools and the watching-my-kids-while-I-run errands have been priceless).
Still. I’d thank my village for the hours spent WITH me. Listening to my fears, laughing at my stories, sharing their own; letting the kids crawl and then toddle and then run around together while we commiserate about this crazy situation called parenting.
My village helps me when I can’t be there. But more importantly? Is with me to remind me I’m not alone.
I hope that makes sense.
And I always love to see your posts, Paige. Hugs to you. And your village 😉
You are so right Paige and I truly am grateful for my village. Living in a small community, I have many eyes and ears out there as well as many prayer warriers for my kiddos. I am blessed! Have a great weekend!