We've all heard the saying and I have to admit to buying into it wholeheartedly. I'm sure there are parents out there who can care for, teach, and end up with perfectly wonderful children all on their own. My husband and I are not those people.
Fortunately we have a village to end all villages. Both sets of grandparents live reasonably close (I'm actually jealous of my children because of how much time they get to spend with their grandparents.) My husband's siblings and their kids all live fairly close as well. My sister, while she lives quite a distance from us (the opposite coast in fact) is very connected to our girls including an annual trip the four of us take.
Plus we have friends who have known our girls for all or most of their lives and are wonderful to them. They read to them, truly talk with them, and are just, basically, another villager.
The full-time childcare providers they have been to over the years have been like another parent. They have loved, taught, and played with them. Plus, they've been an immense help to us as we've learned about life with little ones.
The teachers have also been fantastic. I don't even know where to start to sing their praises.
Our neighbors are wonderful. We feel so safe with our girls playing outside knowing that everyone is keeping an eye on all the kids.
We've had a handful of babysitters over the years, all of whom have gone above and beyond for our children.
I've been thinking about this for several days and my thoughts have gone in a few directions. First, how very lucky we are. Many parents don't have half this level of support and I am grateful beyond measure for all of these people. Secondly, our girls are so lucky as well. Having so many adults who love and care for them is a treasure. Finally, I wish all kids and parents had a village like this. What a difference that could make in the lives of so many families.
4 comments:
Oh...
Let me just say: Jealous Jealous Jealous Jealous Jealous.
Obviously, I have no family around. I am so happy that somebody who has so much love around her actually appreciates it.
Well done - I am sure one day your children will too.
P.S. Still jealous
Teachermum, We hear that a lot. We've got plenty of local friends without any family nearby who keep trying to convince my folks to take on a few more 'grandchildren.' I am quite impressed by parents who do this more or less on their own - it's no easy task.
I think you as parents benefit from the support network as much if not more than the kids. Not even by the actual things people do for your girls, but just by knowing the support network is there if you need it. I think of our parents who feel so alone- many in a new country with a new language. The additional stress has to impact family dynamics.
Your kids are truly blessed!! It would be awesome if every kid had an experience like this :)
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