Heart4kidsadvocacyforum's Blog

Parents have an unspoken responsibility to formulate a “village-community” to interface and engage in the life of their children.  In some religious and cultural practices, parents choose what is known as “Godparents” for their children.  In some cultures, family and extended family are brought together in a traditional ritual routine to be an active part of a child’s life.  Family gatherings, and special occasions in that child’s life are shared with the family.  The child looks for those people to participate in their life.  In some cultures, the grandparents are held in high esteem and what they think and say are considered vital to the child’s development.  If there are aunts, uncles, and cousins that are active in a child’s life, these can develop into important loving relationships.

 I can remember how important my Nana Marie- my grandmother, was in my life.  I had my favorite grand aunts and grand uncles, aunts, and uncles, and most definitely favorite cousins that I am still connected to and participate in my life.  My parents designed the context and structure of these relationships for our family.  Sometimes people do not have access or the logistics to be in close relationship with family and then are called to find other people they honor and trust to be members of the “village-community” that supports the life and welfare of their children.  What is most important is for a child to have a strong and vital support system that is in alignment with the values, ethics, and moral standards of the family. Continuity and consistency is critical in the raising our children.