If it takes a village to raise a child, how do you find your “village”? The parenting journey is full of twists, turns and surprises, so having support is a great help to you and your kids. This month we’d like to offer some ideas for building your support village.

Begin at church: Since our mission is to raise kids that are holy, safe and healthy, it’s a good idea to seek out those who share the same mission. Check out youth and family ministry offerings and connect with other parents bringing their kids to these events.

Small is good: Look for small Bible study, faith-sharing or discipleship groups. These types of groups offer opportunities to build friendships and connections which lead to the support we need in both our faith and parenting journeys.

Create and host: We were created by God for companionship – not isolation – so if you can’t find an existing group to join, create one. Simple is key! Something as small as inviting a few people over or out for coffee can lead to exactly the kind of connection and conversation your weary parenting soul needs. Since you’re all walking through the same phase of life, shared experiences won’t be hard to discover. While you’re together, take an opportunity to pray  for each other and for your children.

Mentor magic: Notice the parents who have been where you are in your stage of life because they are a goldmine of advice, wisdom and encouragement. When my boys were little, I remember finding two moms at church who had teenage boys and I chatted with them, asked questions and sought their advice. Those lovely conversations very often began with the words, “So, did your boys ever…? What in the world did you do?”

 Building your community: 
Start with your own extended family. Next add some people from your church or faith community. The next group in your village would be mentors, and the last group should be friends, neighbors or people from school or community activity groups.

Prayer: If making these kinds of connections is proving to be a little tricky, pray specifically that the Lord will lead you to the people who can connect and walk with you; if he can part the Red Sea, he can certainly help us build our support village!