Building an Extended “Family” Network
One challenge that my family faces, and I know many other families do too, is the need for a family support system. In the past a young family lived close to grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Moms could rely on the extended family who sometimes lived with them to help out with caring for the children. These days families do not always have that kind of connection with extended family. That means that moms have to be creative about their options for child care. I think it can be a very real challenge for homeschoolers whose children do not leave home on that yellow bus in the morning allowing mom a few minutes to not worry about who is taking care of the children. It means you have to be resourceful.
I have tried to be resourceful by joining mom groups and play groups and getting to know neighbors. I wanted to cultivate friendships that would give me and my family the support and companionship that we need and crave. I have asked God to live nearby dear friends. I have wanted a best friend who lived so close we could walk to their home and live life together. I have to tell you that I have been truly blessed by a family that we have gotten to really know recently and who may very well turn out to be the kind of friends I have prayed for. This family has invited us to their home to play, watched our children when our child care fell through, and prayed for us. This is the kind of friendship that I have been praying for!
I think all families need to have an extended “family” network. You need tp be able to rely on someone who lives close to you, someone who you can call on one of those days when you really need some help. You need a network of folks who will rock your babies so you can take care of yourself or who will make a meal if there is an emergency. You need friends who will watch your kids for a little while or teach you a new skill. You also need another adult to talk to during the day about everything and anything. I am talking about building a community for you and your family.
It takes time and energy to build a community these days. It means that you have to put yourself out there to meet people. I have met my closest friends at church and through mom groups. I have had to make the phone calls to invite people over to play or to meet us at the playground. I often offer to help another family our first. Building a community requires spending time together. You have to commit to taking the time to get to know these folks and offering your help even when you don’t think they will want or need your help. Add prayer to your time commitment, and you will soon find your community growing.
I hope that you take the time to build an extended family network, a community of families. You and your family will be blessed in countless ways if you do! Please tell me what you have done to build your own community.
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