Why We Need Community Now More Than Ever
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how individualistic parenting has become in modern American culture — especially for families raising neurodivergent kids. Somewhere along the way, we’ve accepted the idea that parents should handle everything alone… even when it doesn’t serve us or our children.
A recent day off from school brought this sharply into focus for me.
At the playground, I ran into one of my daughter’s classmates with her mom and brother. Later, while driving home, I spotted a different neighborhood friend outside with his mom. All of us, separately scrambling to manage childcare and structure the day — in the same community, at the same time.
It got me thinking: Why didn’t we coordinate? When did parenting stop being a shared effort?
Reclaiming the Village
I love the concept of co-ops — shared responsibility, many hands, everyone contributing. Yet in practice, most of us default to going it alone.
With another school closure coming up soon, I encourage you to pause and ask:
- Who is in your village?
A neighbor? Grandparent? Another parent from school? The grandparent of your child’s friend? (Believe it or not, I text regularly with my daughter’s BFF’s grandfather — he’s often the go-to caregiver on days off!) - How can responsibilities be shared?
Is there an older sibling who could be a mother’s helper for a few hours? Could you swap mornings or afternoons with another family? - What support is already available?
Look into sports clinics, drop-in camps, community center programs, or school’s-out day trips. These can bridge the gap and ease the pressure working parents carry.
Small shifts can make a big difference — for our stress levels, our children’s sense of belonging, and the health of our communities.
Want to Build Your Village?
If this resonates with you, send me a note. I care deeply about helping families reconnect to community and share the load — especially those raising neurodivergent children.
And there’s a timely opportunity:
This Thursday, 10/16, my colleague Leslie Kilpatrick and I are offering a free virtual workshop designed to connect parents who are “in the same boat.”
Let’s rethink the idea that we have to do this alone. Community isn’t a luxury — it’s a tool for survival and joy.
