Who is in your village?
Posted by Susan Epstein on July 19th, 2010 at 07:44pm
The well known African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” brings many thoughts and emotions to my mind. I know it to be true from personal experience as a child who grew up in a single parent home. I have fond memories of the neighbors who monitored our comings and goings, as well as the mischief we got into while our parents were working during the day. I also remember marveling at how quickly word traveled to my parents when things got out of hand! Discouraged as we were at our inability to ‘get away’ with anything, I must say that it was also very comforting to know there were adults around us who cared about what we were doing – good, bad or indifferent.
Now as the parent, my role has changed quite a bit! But the need for a network of support around us has not. As a working mom with a husband who travels, I depend on trusted individuals (some family, some not) who help take care of the kids when other responsibilities take us away. Our children are young (ages 4 ½, 3 and 9 mos.), so at this stage, we want to ensure their needs are being met through consistent loving, caring relationships with other adults in and outside the family. Building this support network has been an enriching experience for all of us, as we’ve watched the children develop close relationships with the other adults in their lives whom they trust and love.
For some parents, the idea of branching out to non-family members for support may seem a little far-fetched. Others may feel guilt or just not comfortable asking for help. It’s important though, to recognize the benefits that this would bring to you and your child(ren). Developmentally, it is essential for children to know that in addition to their parents there are other adults, neighbors, teachers who will be there to offer love and support in their lives. Equally as important is the need for you, the parent, to make time for yourself and pursue your passions in life. Remember, taking care of you is taking care of your kids!
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Tags: calm parenting, Children, parenting advice, Parenting Calm, parenting powers, taking care of yourself
Under Teens/Tweens
2 Comments for Who is in your village?
1. T Schmidt | July 20th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Excellent, shows insight to prioritizing family needs in a responsibly manner.
2. Angie | August 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Great write up Amy!! You know I am always here for you no matter what. The emphasis on this is a wonderful aspect of how our lives should rely on others as well as our family to balance life out in today’s world. Thank you.
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