One family one step at a time.

You may have remembered that Leunig carton strip on “Digital Distracted Parenting” published in 2019. For many parents, this carton strip caused a lot of anger. For me, it bought up a lot of questions about parenting and the pressure we have to parent today. When COVID hit last year and we all went into lock down, parents in particular were left feeling isolated, alone and seeking alternative ways to keep in touch. Social media played a bigger role last year than it ever did before.

In 2019, I lost my village, my support crew, my go to people when things get tough as a stay at home mum. My parents moved 3 hours away and my “effortless” friend moved back to the States. Yes I have other friends don’t get me wrong, but you know those friend’s who are always there no matter how tired, messy or exhausted you are they were the friend’s that I lost.

Mother’s have been mothering for a very long time, however many mothers, fathers, caregivers are parenting in isolation. We are left to work out things on our own the day we leave the hospital, we might have access to a MCHN but sometimes it can be hard to organise visits outside are scheduled visits. Then you have your mother’s group and that’s if you click, but then some mum’s move out of the area. And that’s me! Other mum’s return to work and then the journey of trying to balance work-family life begins and that’s a whole other story. Then you have baby number 2 and it changes all over again!

So before you judge that mum or dad or caregiver, who is pushing that pram while on the phone, think for a minute about what their story could be. Maybe they didn’t have much sleep last night, their baby is teething, they are tired and have not seen or been in contact with anyone outside their family home for days if not weeks. Maybe that walk and that quick check on facebook maybe just what that mother needs right now. Or they are feeling disconnected, lost and have no one to turn too.

Parents, mums, fathers, caregivers we all need that village and for most that village is online.

So how can we build our village offline, what can we do as a new parent or a 2nd time parent.

Here are some ideas on how to create your village of support:

• Join a playgroup – The Early Parenting Village offers playgroups that allow opportunities to meet other parents in the local area of Cheltenham Victoria. If you are not local, check out http://www.playgroup.org.au for a list of playgroups registered with Playgroup Victoria within your local area or check out your local government website for a list of playgroups.
• Join an activity such as music, gymbaroo or sports activity, weekly consisted activities gives you an opportunity to meet other parents with a child the same age
• Story time at your local library is a great opportunity to meet other parents in the area.
• Just spending time at the local park, don’t be afraid to smile and chat to the parent next to you, you never know her story and she may appreciate a chat. And maybe if you feel the connection, you could suggest meeting at the same time each week.
• There are a number of online apps you can join including Peanut and MUSH, these apps give you the opportunity to meet parents in the local area and once again just like at the park don’t be afraid to organise a meet up face to face.

Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and with added pressure of parenting, it can be harder to meet new people. We need to remember that each and everyone of us are in the same position. We are all parents, and all trying to figure out this journey on our own. Together we can build that village, one family, one step at a time.

For further information about the Early Parenting Village please check out www.earlyparentingvillage.com.au or check us out out on Instagram or Facebook.