"It Takes A Village to Raise a Child" - The Power of Supportive Community

"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." - Helen Keller.

Hey there, Safari family! Ever feel like you're trekking through the wilderness of parenting all alone? Well, fear not because Safari is here to be your trusty companion on this wild journey!

We're more than just a company; we're a small, family-oriented, tight-knit crew that's dedicated to turning solo struggle into an exciting group safari with our "village" vibes! Join us as we dive deep into the power of community and discover how learning with each other can turn parenting hurdles into epic adventures!

In a world that often emphasizes individualism and self-sufficiency, the age-old proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and collectivism in nurturing the next generation. This proverb, assumed to originate from African proverbial wisdom, encapsulates the idea that raising a child requires the support and involvement of an entire community, not just the immediate family.

At its core, "It takes a village to raise a child" emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. Rather than viewing child-rearing as the sole responsibility of parents or guardians, this proverb recognizes the role that extended family members, neighbors, teachers, mentors, and other community members have in shaping a child's upbringing. 

 

In this blog, you’ll discover the benefits of a supportive community and see why our Safari family is so committed to building a village to help caregivers like you!

Let's take a look at how having a supportive community positively impacts children and families.

Benefits a Child’s Mental Health

A Sense of Belonging and Support: When a child grows up in a community that embraces the "village" mentality, they develop a strong sense of belonging and support. Knowing that they have a network of caring individuals to turn to fosters feelings of security and reduces the risk of social isolation. 

Diverse Perspectives and Role Models: Exposure to individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enriches a child's worldview. They learn to appreciate diversity and develop empathy, both crucial components of positive mental health. 

Shared Responsibility and Resources: By distributing child-rearing responsibilities among various community members, families can alleviate some of the pressure and stress associated with parenting. Additionally, pooling resources such as time, knowledge, and expertise can give children access to opportunities they might not have otherwise. 

Resilience and Adaptability: Children raised in a collectivist environment learn the value of cooperation, teamwork, and adaptability early on. They develop resilience in the face of challenges, knowing they have a support system to rely on during difficult times. 

Strengthens the Family Unit 

Reduced Parental Burnout: Multiple studies have shown that there is a direct link between a parent's mental health and the mental health of their child. When a strong community network supports parents, they are less likely to experience burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed. Knowing they can seek help or guidance from others lessens the burden of sole responsibility and increases the parent’s mental strength. 

Strengthened Family Bonds: Embracing collectivist values also strengthens the bonds within the family unit. Parents and children feel a deeper connection to their community and recognize the importance of reciprocity and mutual support. 

Increased Social Capital: Communities built on collectivist principles tend to have higher levels of social capital characterized by trust, reciprocity, and cooperation. This social capital benefits families in various ways, from access to social support networks to increased opportunities for collaboration and collective action. 

How do we build collectivism in our modern society?

Despite the benefits of collectivism, modern society often prioritizes individualism, leading to declining community cohesion and support networks. However, there are steps that individuals and communities can take to embrace collectivist values and cultivate a more supportive environment for child-rearing:

Fostering Community Connections: Encouraging regular interactions and collaboration among neighbors, schools, and local organizations can help strengthen community bonds and create a sense of collective responsibility for children's well-being. 

Promoting Intergenerational Relationships: Facilitating opportunities for children to engage with elders and vice versa can bridge generational gaps and provide valuable mentorship and wisdom exchange. 

Supporting Parenting Networks: Establishing parenting support groups or networks where parents can share resources, experiences, and advice can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide much-needed support. 

Add Safari to Your "Village" 

In a world where individualism often reigns supreme, the proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" serves as a timeless beacon, reminding us of the power of community and togetherness in nurturing the next generation.

Here at Safari, our goal is to be a part of your “Village” and serve as a resource for families far and wide. We're committed to ensuring that our products not only aid in child development but also serve as catalysts for boundless fun and joy for the entire family! Moving forward, we're excited to keep working hand-in-hand with you, our amazing community, alongside education and mental health professionals, to dive deeper into the profound impact of play on children's mental well-being and the overall harmony of the family unit. So, welcome to our Safari "Village" – we're absolutely thrilled to have you join our tribe!

The Pariente Family

Safari Ltd. is a small, family-owned business. 

Discover some fun ways to encourage community building and bonding with our curated Family Fun Collection HERE.

About the Author:

Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. With over 3 years of dedicated experience, Paige has become a trusted ally for diverse populations, including the neurodivergent community, trauma survivors, substance abuse sufferers, and those navigating general mental health challenges. Since 2010, Paige has impacted young lives through her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, behavior technician, nanny, and counselor. When not at work, she indulges in the magic of Disney Parks, enticing culinary adventures, and family time with her husband and fur babies (and Baby Whitley due in May 2024!) Passionate and empathetic, she's a catalyst for positive change, committed to making a difference in her community's mental health landscape.

Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 8). Mental health of children and parents -a strong connection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html
• Goodyear, M., Zechmeister-Koss, I., Bauer, A., Christiansen, H., Glatz-Grugger, M., & Paul, J. L. (2022). Development of an Evidence-Informed and Codesigned Model of Support for Children of Parents With a Mental Illness- "It Takes a Village" Approach. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 806884. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.806884
• Reupert, A., Straussner, S. L., Weimand, B., & Maybery, D. (2022). It Takes a Village to Raise a Child: Understanding and Expanding the Concept of the "Village". Frontiers in public health, 10, 756066. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.756066 
• Wolicki, S. B., Bitsko, R. H., Cree, R. A., Danielson, M. L., Ko, J. Y., Warner, L., & Robinson, L. R. (2021). Mental Health of Parents and Primary Caregivers by Sex and Associated Child Health Indicators. Adversity and resilience science, 2(2), 125–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-021-00037-7