It takes a village and we all live on islands

A 2025 article in Psychology Today asks “Is Modern Parenting Uniquely Stressful?”. The article touches on several points from parental concern’s about their children’s physical and emotional safety, to one doctor’s opinion of parent’s “unrealistic expectations” of their children’s talents and future. But one point stood out to me. Not only because it centered on a common theme of my own childhood, but it is an idea I hold in high regard to this day; the idea that it take’s a village. Parent’s who have a “village” around them that they can reach out to when in need can have greater success in navigating the, sometimes treacherous, landscape of parenting. The village can mean different things to different people. Perhaps there’s someone close that help’s with the children while parent’s work or someone that brings a meal or helps tidy the house when that newborn’s mom is exhausted. Maybe it’s a good friend that bring’s a welcome adult conversation and a few laughs (or a few tissues) to help a parent decompress.

The article goes on to say, that parental village’s are shrinking, and some parent’s may feel they have no village at all, finding themselves cast away on a deserted island of parenthood. My hope is that if you know a parent, that you can reach out if only to say “Hey, how are things, are you ok?”. Modern parents may need to get a little proactive in acquiring a village to surround themselves with. Reach out to friends and family and just ask, sometimes they may not realize how much a little time can help. Check for parent groups in your area, or if there isn’t one available, start one!

A simple text may be the “message in a bottle” parents need to get off that island.