Parenting Tip:

It Takes a Village

You’ve probably heard the African proverb: “it takes a village to raise a child”. But have you ever thought about it much? The familiar phrase is telling us that children and families aren’t meant to exist and grow in isolation. Our society can be increasingly individualistic, but this proverb suggests that we should be pursuing just the opposite: community!

There are many different roles and interactions that must exist in order to support and develop a child. Children learn through play; having the opportunity to play with people outside of their home or in different physical settings can help build confidence, problem solving, empathy, the list goes on. They also get to observe social interactions as they watch the adults in their lives care for and relate to each other. And they can learn life lessons from more than just the perspective of their parents. 

The other aspect of the ‘village’ mentality speaks to the support that we as adults can receive in community. Whether we are raising young kids or teenagers, struggling with illness, or juggling professional pursuits and other demands, we can all benefit from having a community rally around us to support. Friends and neighbours can meet practical needs, such as preparing a meal, assisting in a move, or running an errand, can provide wisdom in the face of a difficult situation, or offer encouragement when things are tough. 

Community in the time of COVID has taken on a new look. We can’t necessarily offer to watch other people’s children for an afternoon, or provide other acts of in-home service.  But there are still many ways to support others in your community. Stay connected virtually. Drop off a meal on someone’s porch. Meet up outdoors. Be creative! 

Searching for community? Check out a houseChurch at mosaicHouse, where we ‘do life together’! Share meals (COVID-permitting), learn and grow spiritually, and serve together! Contact us to learn more!