Do you trust your village people?

We all often agree that it takes a village to raise a child. That’s probably because we usually think of the community in terms of people who are available to offer advice and give different perspectives that parents could adapt in raising their kids. And sometimes, maybe people who can help watch your kids or pick up and drop them off when you are unavailable. 

But community also extends to trusted people who could teach your kids valuable lessons; people who could chastise them when they are doing the wrong things (without you getting angry or going there to fight them for chastising your kids). And people who not only join in your joy when your kids are successful, but also share the responsibility of ensuring that they succeed.

This is why I like the concept of godparents so much. To me, it means other people in our community whose responsibility is not limited to buying gift occasionally for the kids, but who are on standby to teach the kids some valuable life lessons. These godparents and some other members of our community should be able to point the kids on the right paths as well. This is what our parents meant by “it takes a village.” A village of trusted people with shared values who you know would not do what you wouldn’t do. People who you trust to re-enforce the right values and principles to your kids so that they grow up to be all that they are meant to be. 

When we welcome such help, then parenting wouldn’t be so overwhelming. Because we will be doing it with people of like minds.

So, is the village welcome? And how are you learning to trust members of your village?