Wednesday, July 16, 2014

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child…

If I’ve said this proverb once, I’ve said it a million times. Partly because I NEED a village to help me raise my kids and partly because I WANT The Kids to be influenced by and introduced to the thoughts and feelings of trustworthy people.

Shortly after The Kids were born, and probably caused by the fact that Alexander died, I started to worry that when my time came, The Kids wouldn’t have much Family. Short of having more kids, I did what made sense…

We created a Family for them.

If you are an important part of their lives than you are referred to as Tia, Uncle or another Respectful Salutation. You’ve heard of many here on the blog such as; Nanna, Poppa, Tia, Tia Sandie, Uncle Bill, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Jim, Uncle Eric, Uncle Mike* and Molly. In reality, the list is long. Really long. If you ask Max, he’ll tell you that it’s ginormous.

For two weeks a year, when we’re up at The Farm, we add a few more names to the mix; Aunt Sally, Uncle John, Uncle Kevin, and Aunt Liz*. It doesn’t matter to The Kids that Uncle John is actually Uncle Kevin’s Dad and neither are really their Uncle at all. It may matter to other people who will remain nameless.

Tonight The Kids were “raised by a village”.

Each year, Aunt Sally, Aunt Liz and I head into Collingwood (it’s a 30-minute drive) for “Ladies Night Out”. The events vary. This year, I suggested a pole dancing course however, since it was Liz’s birthday**, we went out for dinner and dessert instead.

We dined on scrumptious fried pickles, Fish and Chips and ended the night with a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Let’s just say that I really shouldn’t have had the Blizzard. I would post all the pictures I took if I hadn’t deleted them (by mistake) from my phone.

The Kids? They stayed at home with Uncle John, Uncle Kevin and Ed. I didn’t ask but I’m pretty sure that they howled with the coyotes, ate Oreo cookies for dinner, discussed the Farmers Almanac and then went to bed at 10pm without brushing their teeth. Regardless, the important part is that they got to spend quality time with their Family.

Have Your Kids Ever Been Raised by a Village?

*Note that names may or may not have been changed.
**As I mentioned yesterday, it’s not actually Liz’s birthday. Her real birthday is December 15 but she celebrates her birthday (complete with presents) on July 15. I’m not exactly sure why she does that. I could ask her if you want.

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39 thoughts on “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”

  1. HEIDI C.

    With two parents working full-time, four kids, two cats, a dog and lots of activities, we are a family that is supported by a village, fortunately! (Btw, my bday is also Dec. 15th so I am going to have to look into this July 15th idea…:))

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  2. Rene

    I believe the technical term is ‘half-birthday’. Way to go “Liz” – although you missed an opportunity on the pole dancing, I’m sure!

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  3. Amy Stack

    My best friend in the world gave me her best advice about kids/parenting, etc and she put it all in a cute, little notebook. One of the gems was a comment was “the more people who genuinely love your children, the better off they will be.” Our path to parenthood wasn’t a traditional one and the boys paths were not easy either. The amount of love and support that we have all had from family. friends and even friends of friends is immeasurable. It does take a village!

    Reply ↓
    1. Sarah Post author

      Dear Amy,

      That’s exactly how I feel! The Kids are so lucky to have so many people that love them.

      I hope that your family unit is now what it should be.

      I stopped by your website, let me know if you want to be my “I Am Canadian” Feature (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/2012/09/i-am-canadian-feature-linky.html). Note that it’s FREE and works like a Guest Post. I’m always interested in sharing unique Canadians with my followers.

      Besos, Sarah
      Sarah recently posted…Creating Stop Motion Animation with MonkeyJam #tutorialMy Profile

      Reply ↓
  4. Laurie P

    …one of the reasons I miss living in the city. The closeness of our dear neighbors, the people around us all the time. Kids everywhere. Our small street felt just like a little village in a big city.

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  5. kristen visser

    im thinking because she wants to celebrate her half birthday! but then wouldnt it be in june? lol either way to each is own 🙂
    I love your intake in regards to it take a village to raise a child! Couldnt agree more with you

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  7. Anne Taylor

    My daughters were not lucky enough to have been raised by a village. I’m hoping with this new grandbaby coming that she or he will have many more people in its life!

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  8. Debbie W

    I think of my great nephew who has some disabilities. As I say to my niece, there are Matthew’s born every day, but thank goodness he was born into this family. The support is amazing.

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  9. Kirsten

    Creating a village for your kids is so important! We have a small group of people who are close to our kids. We all went to university together and have kept in contact over the years.
    We are also blessed with a large family on my husband’s side- think 120+ people, if all the aunts, uncles, cousins, and kids, came to the family picnic.

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  11. Peady

    Villages are the best!

    I say, if you have a village at your disposal, by all means let them raise your kiddos now and then! 😉

    Sometimes we are born into great families… sometimes we wander in… sometimes we construct one to our liking. 😛

    It’s all family! The kids are better off experiencing all of it in whatever crazy form it takes. 😀
    Peady recently posted…Thursdays with PeadyMy Profile

    Reply ↓
  14. Julie G.

    We also live in a small town where years ago we ran the minor soccer system. Back then it sure seemed like we belonged to a huge village full of smiling little athletes & their parents. It really was an amazing eleven years of our life. When we finally reached over 450 kids and our own children were too old to be on the teams anymore, we passed on our values and expertise to a wonderful group of energetic folks. To this day we still go out to watch the soccer games. Our grandkids are now playing and we see so many of ‘our other kids’ there, bringing their own children and carrying on the tradition. Guess we did something right!

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  15. Tara Gauthier

    My kids don’t have grandparents close by that they can see often, but they sure have been adopted by lots of grandmas/grandpas who fill that role for them!

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  16. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom

    The “village” gives children exposure to a variety of people, perspectives, and activities they may not otherwise encounter. I wish we had more opportunities to utilize our “village”.

    My birthday is December 12th and I’ve often wanted to do a mid summer birthday because my birthday is often just one more “obligation” before the busy Christmas season. Unfortunately July is a terrible month for a half birthday because my parents, youngest daughter, and best friend have July birthdays!

    Thanks for sharing about your “village”.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo
    Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…Keeping It RealMy Profile

    Reply ↓
    1. Sarah Post author

      Dear Jennifer,

      We are on the same page about the village concept. That’s what I love about the Latin culture. Everyone is family.

      The Kids birthday is December 11 and we always have a big party and make it our Family Christmas party too. It might not work when they get older. Sorry that yours is seen as an obligation. I’d come in a heartbeat 🙂

      Besos, Sarah
      Sarah recently posted…Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at African Lion Safari #Giveaway, CAN, 8/4My Profile

      Reply ↓
  17. DARLENE W

    In Canada this concept is new to most, but many countries have adopted this way of living many generations ago. Who doesn’t need a helping pair of hands once in a while

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  18. Nena Sinclair

    I live in a relatively small town and I`ve made use of a lot of the programs they offer, so, yes, I can say I believe in `It Takes a Village to Raise a Child`. By the way, are you sure you didn`t do the pole dancing thing, maybe that`s why there`s really no pics?? Lol

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  19. Jennpup (@jennpup)

    Yes! My daughter’s talents (singing, acting) have been nurtured by a Village of people – Miss Dee at Act Out KW, Frau Werner at Concordia German School, Ms DJ at the Grand Philharmonic Children’s Choir – so many have taken her under their wing and treated her as if she belonged to them! Ditto for my son with Autism, countless workers have taken the time to bond with and love my child so that he can flourish. I truly believe “It Takes a Village” 🙂

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  20. Stacy Renee

    Unfortunately, my children won’t have that community experience of ‘being raised by a village’ because I have no family nearby and my neighbors are all reclusive old people who only leave their house to get groceries and smirk at my friendly waves. 🙁 I, on the other hand, spent weekends with my mother and her musician friends all of which I still consider my ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ even though we are not blood related. I do think it is important to have a sense of community, though. 🙂
    Stacy Renee recently posted…Book to Movie Adaptations I Am Anticipating!My Profile

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  21. DARLENE W

    We all come from and live different “villages” to speak. Surrounded by people you love is the most important, they don’t have to be your neighbours

    Reply ↓

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