How can Community support MOMS?

Written By Chris Stack

Moms have always needed community and continue to need community.  

If we consider the cultures that have existed for centuries or even the early times in America that have built communities of family members and neighbors that are close knit and help with daily tasks and child rearing as a natural and expected way of life, you may recognize that moms have always benefited from the support of others - their community.

The community that I'm speaking about here is those who you can depend on for support and friendship 

Who makes up your community? spouse/ partner, family (who may live close by or long distances), neighbors, friends (recent and from different seasons of your life), teachers/ childcare providers/ nannies, etc.

*Important members of your community are your kids. "They are capable". If we believe that, we need to act upon it when considering how we get our household to work well for all members.

Consider what type of support each member of your community provides for you? physical, mental, emotional, and social

What do you give back to them?

Possible ways you can support each other (with respect to kids): 

  • Share things with each other (tools, kitchen items, etc.)

  • Kid clothes/ shoes - pass along clothes your kids have outgrown

  • Special clothes share - for a special event like a wedding or religious ceremony

  • Halloween costumes swap

  • Toy swap - are there toys your kids don't use that others may enjoy

  • Book swap - read it and pass it along

  • Sport equipment pass along or share

  • Party items - share decorative items or serving pieces that you may use once or a couple times

  • Childcare (inside and outside the home)

  • Help with chores and daily/ weekly tasks

  • Share childrearing experiences and strategies

  • Be a "cheerleader" for you and your dreams outside of your family commitments

"Rather than wandering around in problem-solving mode all day, thinking mainly of what you want to fix about yourself or your life, you can pause for a few moments throughout the day to marvel at what's not broken." Kristen Neff

What is "right" in my life is that YOU have been a part of my Wonder Room Community (in either a small or big way).  You have made The Wonder Room a joyful place for me to spend time.  I hope it has done the same for you.

A place to spend time with family, a place to borrow toys and books, a place to discuss child development, a place to be creative, a place to celebrate how children learn, a place to be heard and seen, a place to have shared experiences, a place to play ....What has it been for you?

Gather together in community as often as possible

Chris Stack
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