When it comes to raising a family, there’s a reason the old saying “It takes a village” still rings true. Being part of a community isn’t just a warm and fuzzy idea; it’s something that positively impacts our mental and physical well-being, our emotional support systems, and even our public health. But in our “modern” reality: building that village takes intention, effort, and, yes… money.
Today, we’re diving into why the importance of community in parenting can’t be overstated, and why finances are often the first barrier we must navigate.
First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: creating a strong support network isn’t free. You can’t just snap your fingers and a group of people who share your values, passions, and goals suddenly appear with casseroles and carpools in hand.
Becoming part of a community that truly lifts you up, shares common interests, and contributes to your mental health often requires an investment– of time, energy, and financial resources.
How it Looks For Our Family
For our family, choosing to work full-time gave us the financial means to invest in the kind of support system we needed. Building a community around our family, one that truly lifts us up, became possible because we could allocate resources toward things that brought us connection, relief, and togetherness. We prioritize spending on resources that bring a sense of belonging and lighten our daily load.
For example, we pay our meal prep chef around $175 a week for seven hours of work, plus groceries. This means that for about $65 per day, we have healthy, organic meals ready for our family of five. Compared to dining out, which can easily cost $80 for one meal alone, hiring help was not only a healthier choice but a financially sound one.
And let’s be honest, outsourcing doesn’t just save money, it saves sanity. Having support with daily tasks gives us more time for the people and activities that matter most. Emotional support from community members who understand our lives makes us better parents, partners, and people. It also saves time, which then gives us time to spend it with the people we love and doing the things we love.
Budgeting for Your Village
Now, let me be clear, community looks different for everyone… sometimes it’s family, sometimes friends, and sometimes, if your budget allows, it’s hiring trusted help to build a small village that becomes part of your everyday support system.
If your budget allows it and you want to look into hiring people for your village, it sometimes means redefining what “worth it” looks like. It might mean choosing a dependable car over a luxury one, buying practical clothes instead of trendy brands, or cooking more meals at home. These aren’t just budget decisions, they’re intentional choices that create space to invest in the people, support, and rhythms that surround your family with the kind of care money alone can’t buy.
Think about it this way: the cost of outsourcing some household tasks is often less than the hidden costs of chronic stress, whether that’s emotional strain, relationship friction, or long-term health issues like heart disease. By budgeting intentionally, you can carve out space to create the village you and your family need.
Building That Community
Building your modern-day village might look different than generations past, and that’s okay. It could include paid support like babysitters, house managers, tutors, or a meal prep chef, in addition to friends, neighbors, or extended family.
What matters most isn’t who is in your village, but that you have one. Investing in a support system, whether personal or professional, pays dividends in emotional resilience, mental clarity, and a deeper sense of connection in the day-to-day.
Investing in Your Community is Investing in Your Family
The importance of community in parenting cannot be overstated. It’s about more than just getting help with groceries, laundry, or meal prep. It’s about creating a foundation where you feel connected, supported, and energized. It’s about choosing to invest in your well-being, your family’s happiness, and your future.
Sure, building your village requires some financial trade-offs. But the returns, lower blood pressure, better mental and physical health, emotional support, and a deep sense of belonging… are absolutely worth it.
In the next few posts, we’ll explore two more barriers to building our village: stigma and the intimidating question of “Where do I start?” Until then, give yourself permission to dream about the community you deserve, and maybe even start budgeting for it today. And if you’re wondering just how much time you’re already spending keeping your home running, it might be time to take a closer look.
Ready to Build Your Village Without Doing It All Yourself?
If reading this has you thinking, “I need more support, but I have no idea where to start,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created my Private Recruiting Service, for families who are ready to have it all without doing it all.
Whether you need a rockstar nanny, a household manager or someone to help your day run smoother than that third cup of coffee, I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through the entire process, so you don’t waste time, energy, or money trying to DIY your way to relief.
Here’s what’s included:
- Start-to-Finish Recruiting & Hiring Process
- Home Systems Playbook tailored to your needs
- Candidate Vetting you can trust
- Concierge Interview Scheduling (so you’re not chasing calendars)
- Reference Calls & Background Checks done for you
- Comprehensive Onboarding Support to set everyone up for success
- 60-Day Guarantee for total peace of mind
This is for you if you’re craving more tim and more sanity, and you’re ready to invest in real support that lasts.
Let’s talk about what your ideal support system looks like, and how we can make it happen.
Book your Discovery Call Today!
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