"It Takes a Village"

We have probably all heard the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," which was popularized by Hillary Clinton's book she wrote while First Lady. Recently, I read on a homeschooling blog where someone wrote, "It takes a village... and I don't want my kids in that village." That made me really start to think.....

I understand the quote saying the whole community comes together to all play a part in raising our children. I can see that. Really, all those people do have an influence on our children. And, I can see the side that we don't want our children raised by the village (or the world) around us. The world around us is a scary place full of people who I don't want to influence my children. I have chosen to home school my children to avoid some of those negative influences.

HOWEVER... I do think it takes more than just Allan and me to raise our children. I would say, "It takes a FAMILY to raise a child." Then define family.... for us, that family is grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, CHURCH family, and close friends. All of those people come together to raise our children. Yes, we are the greatest influence because we are with them the most, but the influence of our extended "family" is unbelievable.

My children simply adore their grandparents. Between history lessons, tea parties, play time, games, and snuggles, the the impact grandparents bestow on them is beyond any measure of value. However, our family doesn't stop there. Since A.J. was born, we have been part of 4 different churches... both full of people who truly LOVE our children. They have sat with others during church, had church members at their birthday parties, and stayed with church family when we were in the hospital with other family members. And, there are also those friends who we consider part of the family to raise our children. Our friends and the children of our friends are just as close to us as our blood related family. We love each and every one of them so much.

So, yes it does take a village... but parents must choose who is in their village. We are careful to only let our children spend long amounts of time with people who love the Lord and impart good values on them. Thank you to all of you who are in our village!