Raising a child is no longer the sole responsibility of parents. It takes a village to raise a child in the 21st century for several reasons, including providing support for adults that have to juggle a career with child-rearing. One of the greatest benefits of attending couples therapy involves parents learning about why it takes a village to raise a child and support adults.
Help for Time-Strapped Parents
The economic model for raising a family in the21st century has dramatically changed from the economic model followed by parents just 30 years ago. It takes two incomes to generate the finances required to pay bills, much less enjoy some of the more expensive things in life. Family therapy directs adults to solutions that include leaning on members of the village to fill the occasional parenting void.
Broaden a Child’s Horizons
A village expands the horizon of a child who might not have the same hobbies and interests as the adults in the child’s life. For example, a child’s parents might not have the same passion for chess as a child who loves playing the game. Although neither of the child’s parents expresses interest in playing chess with the child, someone from the village might have the same passion for the game.
Individual child therapy encourages children to pursue the hobbies and interests that bring them the most joy.
Introduction to New Parenting Ideas
Expanding a family to include members of a village allows adult guardians to be introduced to parenting ideas that might match the type of guidance a child needs for personal growth. Children respond differently to different parenting styles. One child might respond favorably to gentle encouragement, while another child thrives under pressure when challenged by an adult.
Children Learn How to Develop Relationships
The village for your family might encompass a group of close-knit relatives. Your child gets the chance to build relationships with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. When your family grows a larger village beyond family members, your child develops relationships with a diverse group of people, from educators to small business owners.
There is not a better way for a child to develop relationships than by interacting with the members of your village.
The heroic notion of a time-starved parent raising a child might make for a good Hollywood movie, but the reality is every family needs a larger support group that comprises a village. You do not have to do it all anymore, as a vast network of resources wait just outside your front door to help you raise your child. When a village raises a child, the child benefits by having access to a strong support group that allows the child to develop into a productive adult.