There seems to be a lot of negativity in the press lately. As a parenting blogger, articles that are specifically reserved for parent shaming and bashing make the top of my news feed. While the recent events involving young kids and animals are devastating in so many ways, I was mostly disheartened by how hateful everyone was towards the parents. Obviously I don’t know the details of what transpired that day but what I do know is that IT IS possible. Kids, especially young kids, are single minded and can generally only focus on one task a time without taking notice of their surroundings. They are mischievous and explorative. They also have terrible patience. I have no doubt that all it took was one second of the parents not looking at their children for all of this to have transpired.
I know this because just last week I found myself in a similar (but not life-threatening) situation (that did NOT involve a Gorilla or Alligator). Yet, there I was, solo-parenting for the night, at a local park with the three boys. Ryan had his soccer game at 5PM and Kyle had his at 6PM. I hauled all three boys down on the beautiful night to enjoy a few extra hours outdoors. What I didn’t anticipate, since this was the first game of the season, was that I would need to be in three places at once.
This experience was one of those nights where the true meaning of “It takes a village” really resonated with me.
While I was trying to watch Ryan play (and take pictures and videos to show his dad), I also had to keep an eye on Nate to ensure he wouldn’t run down the hill or into the dog park or just run off. I also had to simultaneously feed him and Kyle. Same thing once Kyle was playing and I had Nate & Ryan.
Amazingly, I had 20 other sets of eyes on my kids because of the wonderful people who live in my neighbourhood. Parents came over to play with Ryan while I was chasing Nate. Another parent told me each time Kyle scored because I couldn’t watch him play the entire time. Another parent fed my kids and another had their child play soccer with Nate. I also realized that I REALLY needed to change Nate’s soiled diapers but didn’t bring any spares or wipes with me. Luckily, a fellow mom from Kyle’s school told me that I could use her stuff, no problem, just grab it from her stroller (total no biggie move)!
What could have been a very stressful night turned out to be very fun thanks to my VILLAGE!
Yes, I still did a lot of chasing around and I did lose sight of one of my kids from time to time but there was always someone there to keep an eye on them when I couldn’t.
If there’s one take-away from these incidents (and there are probably 100 takeaways) is that can we please be a village? Can we please help out fellow parents and their kids when we see that they need our assistance? Ask to help or spring into action. You never know what a difference you might make. Lets not make the term “it takes a village” an old folklore.
great article, I have been so disappointed in people’s reaction to the zoo accident. This wasn’t done on purpose, and I can’t believe how people have treated this family. Where did compassion go, and offering words of comfort, so sad…I’m glad you had a better experience.
YES!!! Oh, Maya, I LOVE this. My tribe is so important to me. There ARE a lot of fantastic and helpful people out there, despite what some would have us believe. We are so much stronger together. I will always be an eye, ear, and helping adult for any kids around me. It’s what moms do. It’s what all good humans (should) do.