Pondering Parenthood: Sometimes You Need the Village

There is a quote that I sometimes see among homeschool circles that goes something like this: "I've seen the village, and I don't want it raising my child." It actually stems from this well-known saying: "It takes a village to raise a child."

Now, while I agree that the "village," if you refer to it as society in general with all its current norms and values, is not as ideal or God-centered as many people want or need it to be, we could also look at the ""village" in a different way.

In my case, I'd like to think of the "village" as family, friends and community - one's "tribe" of sorts - the people whom you can turn to for support, prayers, help and encouragement, especially during the crazy and chaotic days of raising your children.

If you look at it that way, I'd have to say this: Sometimes you need the "village." I've come to realize this because of our current situation with our youngest child, who just turned five weeks old last Monday. As I type this (again, on my phone - thank God for technology!), she is still not fully all right, and is taking her THIRD round of antibiotics for a urinary tract infection (long story, you can check out my blog for more details if you want). She looks a lot smaller and more fragile now than when she was born because she lost weight. We've been to three pediatricians for her condition and have been praying, claiming in faith that she'll be completely healed after this round of medication (please do join us).

Now, if it wasn't for the "village," I'm referring to our family, friends, fellow members of Couples for Christ (our Catholic prayer community), fellow homeschoolers, everyone who gets to read my blog and updates on my Facebook page or Twitter, and even complete strangers who send us their messages of support and prayers. I don't think I could have braved this storm we're going through without breaking down in tears every five minutes (and believe me, I am still tempted to do so many times a day).

It is the prayers, encouragement and support (moral, spiritual, emotional, even financial) of the "village" that helps keep us going. And for that, my family and I are truly grateful.

Taking care of a sick baby is no joke and I'm sure most if not all the parents out there know what I mean. Especially if you're not quite sure why your child is ill, this was the case for us.

Since I'm adamant about exclusively breastfeeding, it's been extra challenging, too, to NOT be stressed so that my milk supply isn't affected by all that's been going on (stress and other factors can temporarily decrease a nursing mom's milk supply).   

Thank God for the other people in my "village" - breastfeeding moms and counselors who have been so supportive and encouraging, and have helped me a lot with breastfeeding tips, even offers to donate breast milk if our baby needs it. (If you're a mom and want to connect with us, just search for the "Breastfeeding Pinays" group on Facebook and ask to be added.)

So yes, in my case, it's really true that "it takes a village to raise a child." Parenting is hard work, and just knowing that there are people around you who are praying for you and rooting for you is a big help, especially during difficult days such as the ones we're going through.

What about you? Do you believe that you need the "village" too, at least on some days? I'd love to know - just leave a comment or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.