Raising children takes a village

Dear Readers, Today's blog theme centers around the popular proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child." This statement is generally considered to have originated from the African continent but has become a popular expression in different cultures around the world. The philosophy, which I also subscribe to, is that the entire community, or "village" has a responsibility to help raise and be role models for the child. It does not fall solely on the parents or immediate family members. On a somewhat related note, I've also heard many new moms use the word "tribe" when describing their circle of friends and support systems.

I have only been on the job for less than six months, but I have learned about the important role of community in Evangeline's upbringing. As many loving and caring people that a child has around them that take an interest in their development and well-being, the better. The more diversity of lifestyle, culture and thought a child is exposed to, the better. What does this look like in my life? Parts of this may look similar in yours. 1. The music instructor with the beautiful voice who led the Music for Babies class we attended this week is in her village. 2. The enthusiastic teacher who led the library story time is in her village. 3. The kind and welcoming women who organized the playgroup at the local science center and made sure we were welcomed to the group are in her village. 4. The bubbly new mom who relocated here from Mississippi who kept called her "beautiful" at the science museum is also part of her village. The role of village in a child's life is one that can't be understated when it comes to raising a healthy and happy child. Every single person that we interact with shapes a bit of who we are and what we will become - or in some cases, not become. In our Western society we could learn a lot from this African philosophy. Both for my Evangeline and all the other parents raising their own Evangelines. I couldn't think of a more appropriate and honest name for a blog about new parenthood experiences than It Takes a Village.