Creating the Village: The First Thing You Need to Do
November 29, 2010
by Tara Pringle Jefferson
When most people talk about “the village” it takes to raise a child, you envision extended family, friends, neighbors and community members coming together to make sure a child is raised to respect himself and others, and leaves his parents’ house on the right path.
But today I want to take a different approach. Instead of looking for the village, how can you create the village within your family? Do you realize you’re not only raising “your kid,” right? You’re raising….
….A future husband/wife. Teach them how to love, how to forgive, how to communicate. Teach them the art of compromise, and let them know that love takes work. It won’t always be easy but it will always be worthwhile.
…A future employee/employer. Teach them the value of a strong work ethic, of doing your best every single day, and to take lumps and bumps in stride. Teach them how to respect all those around them – those up the career ladder and those below. Never be too proud to pitch in where necessary.
…A future parent. Teach them that parents sometimes make mistakes, but the best ones aren’t afraid to learn lessons along with their kids. Parents aren’t superhuman but they push the limits of human endurance to make sure their kids don’t go without.
This is why the village is so important. If we’re all raising the best kids we possibly can, future generations will reap the benefits.
Tara Pringle Jefferson is a freelance writer and blogger living in Ohio with her husband and two children. Visit her blog,
www.theyoungmommylife.com, to read more of her observations about life, motherhood and love.
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Monday, November 29th 2010 at 8:23PM
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