Community Parenting FTW

Right now I am in Canada, doing a few TV interviews related to The Fringe Hours. It is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. Most authors never have the opportunity to travel to promote a book, let alone do so out of the country.

While I am thrilled to be in Canada, being here means I am not at home with Elias and Adeline. Ezra is with me because, well, I’m his food source.

My kids are used to Mommy and Daddy traveling for work, but this week is different because we both are out of the country – at the same time.

And while most trips fall during regular, mundane weeks, this time we missed a very special event at Elias’s school. Something that he has been talking about for weeks.

His art show.

When I found out it was going to be while I was here, I got a bit emotional. I firmly believe in the message of The Fringe Hours and know I am where I need to be right now, but that didn’t change the feeling of wishing I could be in two places at once.

Elias didn’t seem phased, thankfully. Nana can come, right? he asked. (My mom is staying with the kids while we are gone.)

I said, yes, of course Nana will be there.

Then I added, Aunt Angie is coming too.

Really?! His eyes lit up. Coooollll!

I texted Angie before I left town, thanking her for her willingness to attend the show and that we hated that we were missing it. Having a friend who is like a sister is a gift, and the way she loves my children is something I don’t want to ever take for granted. She replied:

You’re ministering and using your gifts… which teaches him to do the same with his art. That’s the beauty. Community parenting FTW.

Community parenting FTW (for the win).

Yes. That.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. And they are right.

Because no matter how hard we try, sometimes it isn’t going to look like the perfect magazine spread. Sometimes our work will force us to be away. Sometimes we will be tired. Sometimes things will be messy (figuratively and literally).

Linking arms and not doing this journey alone is the best way to navigate parenting and life.

So let’s embrace community parenting.
Let’s love well.
Let’s invite others into our mess.
Let’s say I need help.
Let’s teach our kids about friendship.
Let’s not do this alone.

Because when we give of ourselves, we give the best gift. We win. Our loved ones win. Even strangers win.

Community parenting FTW indeed.