"It Takes a Village to Raise A Child" is attributed to an old African proverb. The origin of this phrase has no documented history. However, it teaches eternal truth. There has been many books written on this premise. All relate to a community taking care of a child.
When I was a kid, the neighborhood took care of us. They were the eyes and ears of my parents. We didn't need babysitters. If I hooked school or said something I wasn't suppose to say or acted disrespectful, somehow my mother always found out and boy when she got home from work there was hell to pay. Needless to say, that made me a lot more mindful about what I did when Mom or Dad wasn't looking because I knew that she had friends in the neighborhood who was looking.
Our communities have become alienated, unsafe, and gang and drug infested. Our neighbors often retreat behind closed and double locked doors and try to ignore the community outside. As a result, when kids walk outside our doors, there is no one helping us to make sure they are safe. There is no village.
When there is a network of friends, family, a community, and a neighborhood, life is so much easier. So, it does take a village, to work with the family, to raise a child and get through life's ups and downs. To get that kind of support, we have to look at ourselves. Building a good community is a charity effort.
You've all heard that saying "United we stand, divided we fall." It's time to unite for the sake of ourselves and our our families. Cooperation is just as important as competition. Right now, I believe it is very critical, especially when all around us we see people not cooperating, especially with many of the leaders that we are suppose to look to for guidance and support are doing just the opposite.
Today, make it a point to reach out to someone in your neighborhood and be the first to make your neighborhood your village.
No man, woman, or family is an island.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic resource you have made here, Ida! I cannot wait to see what you come up with in the weeks and months to come. You are now in my blogroll and I look forward to discussing many topics with you.
ReplyDeleteLIving up here in PA is certainly different neighborhood wise for me. I grew up in SE TX, in a cul de sad, no less. Talk about a village raising you! We kids didn't do a single thing that at least ONE adult wasn't aware of--and you can bet if it wasn't good, our parents knew about it lickety split! We have lived in our current home for 4 years and have 6 neighbors. I still only have met 2 of them! Sad, sad!
~Amy
I agree Amy, at least one person saw you. Today it is so different. We live next to people for years and barely know their names. It is sad. As a result of adult's behavior, the kids have quickly picked up that when they are outside of your eye, there are no other eyes. I was talking to one of the ladies on facebook and the reason of trust came up. My response was that we do trust others with our children. We trust the school, teachers, the school bus driver, the coach, people in the church. Excellent place to start to create relationships with the people that touch your child's life daily. I have made it a point to get to know the people in my child's life.
ReplyDeleteAlso, one other thing that I do, is every 2 years my neighbor and I have a family and friends picnic. We invite all of the neighbors and it is a fun filled day with activities for the kids as well as the adults. This has allowed me to get acquainted with some of my neighbors in a relaxed atmosphere.
I believe community is key. How do we get the community to come together as a support system for our kids?