A village.
Of course we all know that “it takes a village.” But like, um, where does the village come from if you don’t live near your family? Or don’t like them? Or just moved to a town where you haven’t made any friends yet? Or none of your friends have babies and what if they just don’t get it!?! Or maybe you are surrounded by a village already but just don’t really know how to reach out, or what’s appropriate, or or or or or or. So yeah, the village is great and necessary but it also takes some doing.
Short Reads
Today’s Parent Article, “How to build a village”
NYT Article, “How Many Friends Do You Really Need?” TLDR: 3 to 6!
Long Reads
Book & Audiobook, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends
Academic Research Article, “How many hours does it take to make a friend?”
Do
Start saying “Hello” to other parents with children that you see when walking around your neighborhood.
Map out the nearest park with a playground in your neighborhood. Start hanging out there (bring the dog, picnic, take a jog, etc.) to begin scoping out and becoming part of the scene.
Connect or reconnect with a friend, sister, cousin, etc. with young children by meeting up for lunch or coffee.
Let anyone and everyone you know with young children that you’re happy to take any hand-me-downs off their hands.
Join your local Facebook or WhatsApp mom-group and/or buy-nothing group.
If you are religious—even lapsed!—now could be a good time to connect/reconnect with your spiritual community.
Buy for Yourself or Request as a Gift
A pre-natal class, these can be a great way to meet other parents.
A pre-natal exercise (e.g. yoga) class pack.