Building Your Own Village

They say It takes a village, but no one really tells you how to find one-especially when you are deep in the trenches of motherhood. In the beginning, staying home was way easier to manage than trying to coordinate the perfect time in between naps, lunches, and meltdowns. But I knew my children and I needed something more, another connection.

What helped me build my own village was having a consistent group of other young moms to start “mom walks” with. Something simple, predictable and a great physical outlet. When you are taking those daily walks you are releasing stress, building connection and nurturing your own mental health. This does not have to be a well though-out plan, just a stroller, your babies and a walking path.

Your village becomes way more than just company- It is a space you go to vent, learn and grow in motherhood. It’s where hard days are heard without judgment and little wins like your child sleeping throughout the night is celebrated. Motherhood friendships help us remember who we are outside the chaos of each day. This connection matters more than we realize. And our children feel the same.

Our children watch us as we make time and space for others, show kindness and develop trust. They learn alongside other children, sometimes keeping us busy with the sharing issues, but we are learning to handle it together. While each play date may be different than the last, they begin to build their own friendships- playing, laughing and learning to walk through life confidently.

Your village doesn’t have to be loud and flashy. These people are supposed to ground you, lift you up, inspire you in motherhood. This might be the other mom at the park you see weekly, a coworker turned family, or a group chat that keeps you laughing out loud.

Motherhood isn’t meant to be done solo. Go to story time. Visit the park. Let the village in.

“The way we love our friends becomes the way our children learn to love theirs.”