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Building a village is crucial for parenting. It means having a support system of family, friends, and others who offer guidance and help. It's important because it provides emotional support, practical help, shared wisdom, and a sense of community for both parents and children. To build a village, start with family and friends, connect with other parents, get to know your neighbors, and utilize professional support if needed. Children benefit from a village by developing social skills, trusted relationships, and a sense of security. Parents can lean on their village by sharing responsibilities, getting help with childcare, seeking emotional support, and receiving advice. Maintaining the village requires expressing gratitude, reciprocating help, staying in touch, and making time for gatherings. Building a village is important, and there are ways to do it even if you don't have one. It's okay to ask for help and set boundaries with toxic relationships. Teach your children about the impor Hello! Welcome wonderful parents, guardians, and caregivers. Welcome back to another episode of the Nanny Jewel podcast where we inspire, engage, and share joy and love while offering helpful parenting tips. I'm your host Nanny Jewel and today we're diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial to your parenting journey, building your village. Whether you're expecting your first child already knee-deep in parenting or expanding your family, having a strong support system can make all the difference. We'll talk about what building a village means, why it is important, and how to create and maintain it, and ways you and your children can lean on your village for years to come. Let's get started. What does it mean to build a village? We often hear the phrase, it takes a village to raise a child, and it couldn't be more true. A village consists of the people who support you emotionally, physically, and sometimes even logistically as you navigate parenthood. This includes family, friends, fellow parents, neighbors, teachers, and even child care providers. Building your village means surrounding yourself with people who offer guidance, help, encouragement, and companionship. It's about having a team to lean on during the tough moments and to celebrate with during the joyful ones. Why is having a village important? Raising children is rewarding, but let's be honest, it's also demanding. Having a support system provides numerous benefits. Number one, emotional support. Parenting comes with highs and lows. Having a trusted friend, family member, or fellow parent to talk to can ease stress and anxiety. Number two, practical help. Whether it's babysitting, meal prep, or running an errand, your village can help lighten your load. Number three, shared wisdom. Parents who have been through it before can provide invaluable advice. Number four, community for your child. Your child benefits from strong relationships with trusted adults and other children, helping them develop social skills and emotional security. Number five, support in times of crisis. Whether it's an illness, financial hardship, or unexpected life event, a strong support system can be a safety net. As a nanny, I've become more than just a caregiver. I'm a cornerstone in the villages of both my nanny families. With no extended family in the state, they rely on me not just for daily routines, but for urgent unexpected needs and the deep consistency that keeps their world steady. I've been the one they call when they have to go to a doctor's appointment or school is closed, when a child wakes up sick and they can't miss work, or when a parent is running late from a flight delay. I celebrate milestones with them, comfort their little ones through tough moments, and provide the kind of unwavering support that family typically would. It's a role I cherish, knowing I bring them peace of mind, stability, and a true sense of community when they need it most. How to build your village. If you don't already have a strong support system, don't worry. Here are some practical ways to start building your village. Number one, start with family and close friends. Identify the family members or close friends who generally support and uplift you. Let them know how they can be involved, whether it's watching the baby for an hour or just being available for late night chats or dropping off a meal. Number two, connecting with other parents. Join local parenting groups, play groups, or online communities. Attend library story times, parent meetups, or events at your child's school or daycare. Don't be afraid to reach out to another parent and start a conversation. It's completely normal to feel nervous about reaching out to another parent, whether it's at the park, a school event, or even just passing at daycare drop-off. There's always that little voice of doubt. What if they're not interested in talking? What if I say something awkward? But the truth is most parents are in the same boat, craving connection and support, even if they don't always show it. Parenting can feel isolating, especially when juggling endless responsibilities. Having another parent to talk to, someone who understands the sleepless nights, the tantrums, and the joys can be a game changer. Maybe you'll share a laugh over something silly your kids did, or maybe you'll find unexpected support on a tough day. Either way, the risk of a slightly awkward start is nothing compared to the friendships, advice, and encouragement you could gain. You won't regret taking that first step because chances are the other parent needed that conversation just as much as you did. Number three, get to know your neighbors. A supportive neighbor can be a great asset, especially in times of need. Host small gatherings or participate in community events to build connections, or simply drop a gift off at your neighbor's house. I am so well known in the neighborhood for me going on constant walks with the children. I have built myself a presence in the community to where I know not only the next door neighbors, I know people down the block, around the corner, and some. Number four, utilize professional support if able. Pediatricians, teachers, daycare providers, and nannies all play a role in your village. Consider hiring a postpartum doula or a parenting coach if extra guidance is needed and you're able to do so. Number five, be open to asking for help. Many parents feel like they have to do everything alone, but there are strengths in asking for help. Accept offers from those who genuinely want to support you. There is no shame in asking for help, absolutely none. How your children benefit from a village. Your village doesn't just support you, it supports your children as well. As they grow, your children will naturally lean on members of your village for different aspects of their development, like early socialization. Playing with children from your village helps them build social skills, trusted adult relationships, having other caring adults to turn to gives them a sense of security, mentorship, and guidance. Older children benefit from mentors like family, friends, coaches, or teachers who provide guidance outside of parental influence and a sense of community. Feeling surrounded by a network of caring people fosters confidence and resilience in children. We'll be right back after this short break. Welcome back. Let's talk about ways parents can lean on their village. Building a village isn't just about creating a support system for your children, it's about ensuring you also get the support you need as a parent. Here are ways parents can lean on their village. Number one, share responsibilities. Rotate play dates with other parents to give yourself a break or do meal swaps or batch cook with friends to lighten dinner prep. Number two, carpooling or child care help. Coordinate drop-offs and pickups for school, sports, or activities, and have trusted friends or family members babysit when you need personal time. Because trust me, we all need personal time. I get it. Number three, emotional and mental health support. A simple coffee date with a friend can provide much-needed release. Join parenting support groups or therapy circles. And number four, encouragement and advice. Ask seasoned parents for tips on handling sleep aggressions, tantrums, or school transitions, and celebrate milestones with your village, big or small. Maintaining your village. Building a village takes effort, but maintaining it is just as important. Some ways to keep those relationships strong are to express gratitude. A simple thank you note or message can go a long way. Reciprocate help. Support those who support you whenever possible. Stay in touch. Check in regularly, even if it's just a quick text. And make time for gatherings. Plan occasional meetups or family outings to strengthen bonds. All right, everyone. It's time for the part I love the most, your questions. Let's get into what's been on your mind. First question is, why is it having a village important? A village provides emotional support, practical help, and shared wisdom so parents don't feel overwhelmed or isolated. It allows kids to build relationships with trusted adults and peers, creating a sense of belonging. Parents can get breaks, advice, and encouragement when they need it most. Another question, how do you build a village if you don't have one? Again, join parent groups. Look for local mom and dad groups, church communities, or online parenting forums. Connect with your neighbors. Start with saying a small hi or planning play dates, or even offering help. And make sure you get involved in local activities with your schools, libraries, and community events. These are great places to meet like-minded families. The third question, what if I feel guilty for asking for help? You're not meant to do it alone. Everyone needs support. Accepting help allows you to recharge and be a better parent. And make sure you're offering help in return. A village works both ways. Trade small favors like babysitting, meal prep, or carpooling. And make sure you be honest about your needs. People are often happy to help, but don't always know how unless you ask. What if my village is toxic and unsupportive? Make sure you set boundaries. If someone constantly criticizes or drains you, it's okay to limit your time with them. It's not cut them off completely. And make sure you find support elsewhere. Look for people who uplift, respect, and genuinely want to help. And make sure you prioritize healthy relationships. Your village should nurture you, not bring stress. The last question, how do I teach my kids about the importance of a village? Model community values. Make sure you're always showing kindness, offering help, and involving kids in group activities. Make sure you talk about it. Explain that different people bring different strengths to your life. And encourage friendships and helping others. Teach them the joy of both giving and receiving support. Know one parent alone, even if sometimes it feels that way. Having a village of support makes the parenting journey smoother, less stressful, and full of love and connection. Whether you're building your village from scratch, or strengthening the one you already have, know that it's worth it. Thank you so much for joining me today on the Nanny Jewel podcast. I hope you find these insights helpful. And if you have questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with fellow parents and caregivers who might benefit from it. Until next time, take care. Until next time, I'm Nanny Jewel, reminding you, you're doing great. Bye for now.