Parenting takes a village

February 27, 2026 - 22:50

The age-old adage that "it takes a village to raise a child" is being reimagined for the modern era. As traditional family structures and community ties have shifted, today's parents are actively constructing new, creative networks of support to navigate the immense challenges of child-rearing.

Sociologist Jessica Calarco, author of "Holding It Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net," highlights this evolving landscape. She notes that with many families living far from extended relatives and facing immense pressure, parents are forging vital connections beyond the immediate household. These modern "villages" are often built through intentional communities, shared childcare co-ops, and trusted networks of fellow parents.

This shift represents a pragmatic response to a society where formal support systems are often lacking. Parents are pooling resources, exchanging skills, and offering emotional backup to fill the gaps. From meal trains for new parents to organized playgroups that allow for shared supervision, these collaborative efforts are becoming essential infrastructure for family well-being.

The movement underscores a collective understanding that no one can or should do it all alone. By building these new support systems, parents are not only easing their own burdens but also creating a richer, more interconnected environment for their children to grow.