It takes a whole village to raise a child. This African proverb reflects an age-old concept we often take for granted. Certainly, other caregivers besides parents are needed to nurture a baby into adulthood. Hilary Clinton made this saying popular in the mid 1990’s in her book of the same name. But in our post-modern American society which idolizes independence, do we truly believe it? How often do we forget the gift of guiding hands for our children and even in our own lives?
When growing up, I was blessed by a large extended family who made up my village. I often spent weekends with my Grandma Helen and Grandpa Dale on their dairy farm helping to care for their animals. My cousins in southern Indiana were like my extra sisters and brother. I remember the caring hands of their mother, my Aunt Gaynelle who made a significant impression on me even though she passed away when I was only eight years old.
Memories are a funny thing. It’s not so much people’s actions I recall but the love I felt in the moment.
Even though relatives are important, a child’s village doesn’t only consist of family. Often, the influential caregivers in my own children’s lives were members of our community: neighbors or people from our church. Anyone can serve as a mentor if they have a heart to guide little hands.
Recently my daughter, Anna delivered twins: a boy and a girl. They named their baby girl Josephine, after a beloved neighbor who cared for my children like a grandmother. When they were young, the three of them often walked across our yard to visit Jo and her husband, Dick for a treat of butter bread or fried mush. Feeding all the stray cats housed in their repurposed chicken house was great fun. Even now, they reminisce about favorite times spent in their home.
This is the legacy of the village that contributes to the wellbeing of our children (and grandchildren). Every member brings a variety of gifts to the relationship, infusing their knowledge and wisdom through their nurture. Yet, it’s their love which waters the soul of each child, giving them a sense of value and importance. Every guiding hand in the village plays a role in the growth and development of the children within it.
As multiple grandmothers and other family members gather to help with the newborn twins, I’m a blessed member of this contingent. Indeed, it takes a village and the gift of guiding hands to raise children. So, let us strive to carry on this legacy of love for the benefit of generations to come.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
