It Takes a Village to Raise a Child-Asset 3: Other Adult Relationships

It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

Most of us are familiar with the idea that raising a child is a bigger job than two parents can easily do alone. The point of this developmental asset is that parents and their children greatly benefit from the loving support and presence of other caring and available adults.

In today’s mobile world immediate family members are often scattered about the state or country for various reasons, thus changing the strong, valuable and available extended family situation that once existed in most communities. For this reason, this asset can only be made accessible to some families through community awareness and willingness to step up and volunteer to spend time with children so their parents can have time to balance out their lives and attend to their needs that don’t include time with their children. Of course, if extended family members are available and willing to give time and energy to children, this will be of great help to both the parents and the children. Members of the family’s faith community can also help a great deal with providing this asset.

Here are just a few ways other adults can help provide this important asset to a child’s life and to a family:
• Volunteer at a school, preschool, childcare setting, or for a religious education or Sunday school class. Reading books and playing games with children can be the beginning of important relationships for the child and their family.
• When you are a guest at an event at a family’s home, spend time with the children as well as the parents. Show an interest in getting to know the children and what they are excited about. You can build on these connections if the parents ever need your help with their care.
• Attend a child’s sports event, play, concert or other activities. Afterwards, make a point to congratulate the child and the parents and let them know you were there. Invite them all out for a small treat if you like.
• If you learn of an area of interest a child has, foster the interest by contributing to it. For instance, if a child like a particular sports star, send photos, clippings or articles about the star to the child. If the child collects rocks, look for special rocks when you are out in nature to contribute to their collection.
• When traveling, send cards to the family and to the individual children to let them know you were thinking of them and to let them know of discoveries you are making that you think they would enjoy.
• Learn and keep track of a child’s birthday or other special occasion so you can celebrate with them by sending cards or gifts. Do the same with the parents.
• In all cases, let parents know that you want to contribute to their family’s well-being and be available to them and their children whenever the need arises. Let them know that the rewards of helping them go both ways and that it would give you a great sense of meaning and fulfillment to give of yourself in that way. Take the time it takes to build the relationships and trust needed. It will be well worth it for everyone involved!

Any questions or feedback, let me know at 406-443-8571 or email me at wmichael@rmdc.net.