The “village” around us

“It takes a village to raise a child” - African proverb

This African wisdom still holds true after generations. In the past, living in tight-knit communities was just how things were done. Since the dawn of mankind, people shared resources, looked out for each other, and learned from one another. 

"It takes a village to raise a child" - that African proverb has held its wisdom for generations. Once upon a time, living in tight-knit communities was just how things were done. People shared resources, looked out for each other, and learned from one another. But in the modern age, our sense of community has shifted. The days of extended families living under one roof have given way to the allure of the nuclear family. Yet, the essence of that village still rings true.

We've lost something along the way. That village, which was once our safety net and source of collective knowledge, has slipped through our fingers. We need it to raise our kids in a way that's nurturing, imaginative, and secure, without burning ourselves out.

Community is a lifeline; it nurtures us inside and out. Being part of a village has countless perks, from simple acts like swapping meals and seeking advice from our elders to larger benefits like having a trusted friend watch over our little ones. Conversely, families adrift without a true community miss out on opportunities that shape us, expose us to different perspectives, and help us navigate the world.

In the end, many of us parents feel stranded, grappling with the belief that we're the only ones facing our challenges. We think, "No one else could possibly understand." Our emotions and experiences often go unvalidated, and loneliness becomes our daily companion.

How can we create or begin our village?

A great starting point is to look around our immediate surroundings and bring in our family and friends. You'd be surprised – they're often eager to lend support, even on a regular basis. They want to be active participants in our lives and the lives of our children, rather than mere observers.

For exchanging experiences among parents with babies/children of the same age, childbirth preparation courses, pre- and postnatal fitness or yoga groups, parenting groups, postpartum recovery classes, and activities with children, like Prague Parent-Child program sessions offer good opportunities to connect with other parents.

Expressing the desire to connect within these groups can work wonders. It's here that experiences are shared – feelings, troubles, questions, and the latest nuggets of parenting wisdom. And it feels incredibly reassuring.

Of course, your midwife, pediatrician, osteopath or babysitter can also be part of your village - make sure to find people you trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

That's the nice thing about OUR village: WE are allowed to invite people to be a part of it. :)

I felt the need to write a letter to my “village” to start a dialogue and open up. Feel free to read!