By Serena Hutchison
“It takes a village to raise a child” was a phrase I heard while growing up but one that didn’t resonate until recently. It is a gentle reminder of the times where the entire community was involved with child rearing. Some would argue that we’ve gotten away from that community feel but I beg to differ. Actually that’s the main reason I chose to relocate us back to the Champaign-Urbana area.
Having additional support wherever you go helps to alleviate some of the pressure, guilt or even stress we feel as parents. Having a village helps us lean on others, because we cannot do it all alone. Most importantly it helps our kids. In my experience, it’s given my boys more foundation and freedom while teaching them boundaries and respect for everyone. So what makes up this village and why do I think it’s so important? For us it’s been family, school and community. It’s more than important. It’s an essential part of raising kids.
Before living here, we lived in the south suburbs of Chicago. No family around just a few friends. We managed to fit a few outings in but for the most part we stayed in the house. Here? It’s a completely different story. We are surrounded by family. There’s a cousin here, a cousin there. An aunt here, an aunt there. They’re lucky enough to also have grandparents and great grandparents. All who look forward to spoiling them with cakes, cookies and candy while I stand by being mean ol’ mommy. Seeing them run or ride bikes and scooters through the neighborhood with their cousins always warms my heart.
Next would be the support system at the kid’s school. Staff and other families of Kenwood Elementary quickly became an extension of our support system. The staff are all passionate about the children and encourage parent engagement. It means the world to me that they are in a safe and supportive environment during the day. There’s another layer of comfort knowing that I can contact the staff or principals shall an issue arise and vice versa, they can always reach out to me if there’s a concern.
Last but definitely not least is community. This little bubble has exposed my kids to so much goodie goodness. Let’s start with the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The staff and executive board there are very focused on providing a positive environment for their members and families. The best part about it is the very minimal cost for a program that extends beyond your normal after school care program. The best advantage has to be the relationship with the U of I. Oh, the places they have been!
Sports also fall into the community category. My boys took a particular liking to the First String baseball and basketball leagues. From a single mother perspective it helps to have a positive male presence and as much of it as possible. Coaches are volunteers and many with their own families but have never hesitated to help shall an issue arise at school or with overall behavior. The lessons they’ve taught my boys help with life at home and school.
I could actually go on as the list of village members is quite long. Our village has taught me that I’m not an island. I may be a single mother but I am not in this alone. Although schools and community groups provide a service, they are only as effective as we allow them to be. If these connections are used correctly, we as a community can raise our children to be well rounded, successful, respected and respectable young adults. After all, it really does take a village to raise a child.
Serena Hutchison is a Champaign native who graduated from Central High School, relocating back to Champaign after separating from her ex-husband in 2014. She enjoys spending time with her boys, blogging or pretending she can sing. She is a business analyst by day, blogger by night, and a mom all the time. Check out her website.