Reviving the Village: Navigating Parenthood in a Modern World

Frankly, it often served as a convenient excuse for less-than-stellar parenting. It’s high time we let go of this antiquated notion and focus on being the best quality parents we can be, rather than obsessing over the quantity of help we receive.When I became a parent at the ripe age of 21, it was just me, my precious little one, and my cozy apartment. Society has evolved, and it’s disheartening to see how the traditional village setup has all but vanished, particularly in the United States. The stark reality is that people tend to care only when something directly benefits them. Parenting, in its true sense, often doesn’t register as valuable in their eyes. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but understanding this can prompt us to adapt and manage with as little external support as possible.Let’s not beat around the bush – many older generations showed minimal interest in actually being parents, and their enthusiasm for being grandparents doesn’t seem to have skyrocketed either.Remember the classic line, “I raised my kids”? In many cases, it translated to dropping your offspring off at someone else’s house and getting on with your day. The bar was set at the bare minimum. I’m not looking for a surrogate parent, just a bit of assistance now and then.My first year of motherhood felt incredibly isolating. I wouldn’t wish to relive that period even in my wildest dreams. Surprisingly, studies reveal that over seventy percent of new parents report being less happy in the first two years. That drop in happiness exceeds the toll of divorce or even the death of a partner. Unhappy parents are less likely to expand their brood.The absence of natural support systems that villages once provided is sorely felt in today’s world. During my second pregnancy, I decided to build my own modern village. It transformed the experience of mothering two kids into something natural and positive. I wanted to have a third baby – a testament to how effective a modern village can be.Modern villages provide the vital support that modern parents need. They offer not just assistance but a comprehensive education in parenting for those soon-to-be parents. It’s high time we revive this concept, for the sake of both children and parents.For this to work, parents must be willing to open up and seek help, while friends, family, and neighbors must step up and provide the necessary support. Starting now, we can reach out to parents we know and ask how we can contribute to their village. Our shared goal is to make parenting feel more natural for the next generation. Together, let’s build that village.