It Takes a Village

Shortly after Sammy was born, I read an article entitled (something along the lines of) "Who will raise this child?" It was an interesting read about how even stay-at-home moms need help to raise their children...not a little help, but a lot! Similarly, countless people make it possible for working parents to continue their careers. The crux of the piece was that asking for help and relying on others--either by choice or necessity--does not harm our children. On the contrary, for the most part, they only benefit from all the additional love and care.

Well, this week certainly felt like one of those it takes a village times when our kids had the love and care of adults around them, many of whom were not family. Maple Dale recently announced that yesterday would be Grandparent/Special Visitor Day, and that the students could invite a guest to visit them at school. The idea sounded like a great opportunity for our kids to learn to host a special guest in their classroom, interview an adult about what elementary school was like for them, etc. The dilemma was that my parents and Tony's parents do not live nearby and wouldn't be visiting for at least another week or two. So we did the next best thing...we recruited neighbors and friends to be Special Guests!!

Sammy invited our dear neighbor Ms. Shirley from across the street!

Sammy interviewed Shirley about her elementary years...growing up in Michigan, playing dodge ball and reading Nancy Drew...

She even brought a brick from her own elementary school (which was torn down years later). Each alum got to keep a brick (if they liked) as a memento.This prompted Sammy to bring out his beloved Rock and Gem book, so he could show Shirley pictures of his favorite "rock": the Hope Diamond. ;-)

 Brie invited our friends and favorite fix-it folks Mr. Terry and Ms. Lydia to visit her in school!

She introduced them (and Sebastian) to her class...

Sang with her classmates in a little show that they performed...

Called "How to Babysit a Grandparent."

And then read some of "Horrible Harry and the Goog" to them outside.

This was posted outside her classroom. Terry and Lydia really enjoyed the shout out.

Did I mention there were cookies and lemonade for all the guests and students? The day was a big success and I imagine the school will do it again in the future. It was very obvious to me that the kids appreciated the attention from their guests just as much as the guests loved being hosted by some of their favorite little people. Personally, I felt immense gratitude that our neighbors and friends took time out of their busy days to spend it with our children. It was a really touching and special event. So to answer the question of "Who will raise this child?" Without a doubt, a lot of good people will help...even in small ways.