Make a connection

Parenting takes a village – become part of one!

There’s a reason they say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It’s because it’s true! Every parent needs a network of community support to raise thriving, happy children.

Having a network of people we trust gives us a sense of community and is strongly linked with physical and mental health, happiness, and longevity. Not just for us, but for our kids, too! A supportive network surrounding parents and families helps to reduce stress, fosters nurturing parenting habits so we can be at our best, and builds atmospheres where children flourish.

So how do we become a coconnected community? How do we create a village mentality in our neighborhoods? It starts with each of us individually reaching out to make a connection.

Tips on how to connect

Making friends can be tough as an adult. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with adulting and whether a parent or friend of a parent, it can feel like work to nurture our network. Even though we all know we need support, sometimes saying so is easier said than done. In fact, 51% of Coloradans said they would find it difficult to ask someone they know for help, other than close friends. And 26% find it difficult to ask a close friend for help as well. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a friend, or a neighbor, we have tips and tools to help you connect with your community.

Tips for Parents

Parenting is hard, but you are not alone!

We feel you. It takes an enormous amount of energy, patience, coordination and creativity to raise kids. All with little sleep and little credit! Parenting is just not easy.

But you are not alone. The challenges you face are the same challenges others face. You might feel alone in your struggles as a parent, but more often than not, others have similar struggles. A recent survey showed that:

77% of Coloradans agree that asking for support when I need it helps strengthen my family.
73% of Coloradans like having help thinking through a problem.
83% of Coloradans agree it is good when parents have someone to ask for advice about parenting.

It’s okay to ask for help. We all need support.

We know it isn’t always easy to ask for support when you need it. In fact, 51% of Coloradans said they would find it difficult to ask someone they know for help, other than close friends. And 26% find it difficult to ask a close friend for help as well.

But the truth is we ALL need support. No one can do it alone. Even though it is easy to feel like we have to do everything ourselves. Humans are social creatures and it is perfectly normal for people to need other people. Most parents enjoy having others around who they can get support from and offer support to:

91% of Coloradans want to live in a community where people look out for one another.
People are willing to help. Even though we may feel alone, others in our community are more willing to help than we think. A recent survey of Coloradans shows over 90% would be willing to support parents with things like dropping off a meal, providing childcare so parents can run an errand, giving comfort when a parent is worried or upset, and other supportive gestures.
89% of Coloradans agree that offering support to others grows a sense of community.

We are all better together.

It is not just for us parents and our children, the entire community benefits from being connected. According to Mental Health America other benefits of being socially connected include:

Increased happiness.
Better health.
A longer life.

You can create your village.

Family doesn’t just mean blood relatives, family is an idea and a feeling that can be expanded to include friends, neighbors and co-workers around you. You have the power to build your support system and create the village you need.

Reach out. Taking the first step to make a connection is as simple as sending a message. Use our tools below to make it easier.
Say what you need. Be specific about how people can support you. Most people want to be helpful, and appreciate knowing how.
It’s okay to be vulnerable. Remember the song, Lean on me? “No one can fill, those of your needs, that you don’t let show.” (If you are too young, google it, and watch the movie! It’s a classic.)

Tips for Villagers

Be part of your community village.

Parenting is not just the responsibility of individual parents; for families to thrive, they need a supportive network of friends, family, neighbors and more who are active participants in children’s lives.

There is collective power in community co-parenting. Family and community connections and supportive networks help to lessen stress and build positive behaviors in kids and adults. It’s time to come together as a community to be the change we seek. Everyone wins when we focus on all families having healthy connections.

Rethink the neighborhood watch.

We are evolving the neighborhood watch so that it’s more than being vigilant about crime reporting, we want to watch out for our neighbors and make sure they are okay. We want to build communities where it is normal to check in on each other, lend a hand, and be concerned about how people are doing.

It’s a give and take.

We can all receive and provide support. Every person in our community has something to offer. We don’t all have the same strengths, which is why we need each other. Being a connected community is about giving and receiving the support we need.

67% of Coloradans agree that when others are willing to share about their struggles, they are more willing to open up about their needs and ask for support.

Offer practical support.

Practical support means we are offering the kind of support that a family needs. Dropping off dinner, offering a childcare break, coming over and listening, or offering emotional support and reassurance. Sometimes, offering a shoulder to cry on is the most helpful thing. Being clear to families in our circles that we are here and willing to do any of these things is the best way to build connected communities.

When families thrive, communities thrive.

Building supportive networks around parents not only benefits individual families and children, but benefits the entire community. Including the person offering support. A recent survey shows 89% of Coloradans feel good when offering support to others.

Social connections have been shown to:

Decrease social isolation
Improve the overall physical and mental health of all community members including parents, children, and elder adults
Induce a sense of belonging where people feel welcome
Reduce crime and increase safety
Provide stability
Strengthen families

In short, everyone has something to gain by being connected.

Tools for connecting

Below are downloadable tools to help you connect with your community. They can be sent directly via text or email, shared on social media, or printed out for use in person. Have fun building connections!

Learn more about how Community Organizations help build villages

Connection Hubs

Everyone needs a network of friends and family they can call when they are feeling alone. Think about who is in your village and get out this reminder whenever you need it.