The Thompson family sits right behind us at church. They have a big crew—maybe six, maybe eight kids; honestly, I’ve lost count. Their youngest is 12, just about the same age as my oldest. Every Sunday, our youngest, Mia, who is quite the energetic ball of chaos, joins them. The Thompson mother is well-prepared with an arsenal of snacks and toys, typical of someone who has navigated the challenges of parenting a large family. Mia easily fits in with them, almost as if she’s one of their own.
Initially, I felt a pang of guilt. It seemed like I was imposing on them to take care of our child while we focused on the service. However, as I got to know the Thompsons better, especially the mother, I realized that they genuinely love kids. Having Mia with them isn’t a chore; they eagerly welcome her presence.
In contrast, when Mia is with me, it often feels overwhelming. I adore her, but she can be a handful, so having a family willing to look after her during church is a huge relief.
Then there’s a neighbor of ours, named Karen. We live in a rural area of Oregon, far away from our families in Utah and Idaho, so we can’t just drop the kids off with Grandma whenever we want a night out or need to run errands. But we have Karen. She’s in her late fifties, has a warm smile, and her own grown children live quite a distance away.
I’m not quite sure how it all started, but Karen has embraced our family as her own. When my wife was finishing her degree a couple of years back, Karen generously watched our youngest three times a week so Mel could attend her classes. Whenever we plan a date night, Karen is the first person we call. She’s there at our kids’ soccer games and shows up for their birthday celebrations. Each time she visits, she brings some crafty surprise or little gift tailored to their interests, like Harry Potter for my son and My Little Pony for my daughters.
In many ways, she has become their honorary grandmother and a cherished part of our family. While many people have their own family support systems, we don’t have that luxury. It’s in times of geographical isolation that we truly understand the importance of a supportive community.
This is the beauty of having a village. Not everyone may be as willing as Karen or the Thompsons to step in and help with your kids without expecting anything in return. Those who do are incredibly special. As a busy parent of three, I can attest that these caring individuals can make the difference between feeling like a competent parent and feeling utterly burned out.
You likely know someone like this in your own life—coaches, neighbors, volunteers, teachers, or church members—who offer their time and love to your children without expectation. They truly deserve recognition.
It’s easy to focus on the challenges of parenting; I’m certainly guilty of it! Yet, let’s take a moment to appreciate those who love our children unconditionally. In moments when we feel isolated from family or when our own families may not be as engaged, these wonderful people help bridge the gap. They exemplify what sincere care looks like.
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and navigating these relationships, check out this helpful blog post. For a deeper understanding of the topic, Intracervical Insemination offers great resources. The Center for Reproductive Health is also an excellent source for information on family planning and support.
In summary, let’s give a shout-out to those who step up and show genuine love for our kids. They truly make parenting a more manageable and joyful journey.