It takes a village...
I think it's true – it does take a village, or community to raise a child successfully.
Over the years, I can think of strategic relationships that I've had with adults, besides my parents, who have invested time in me; professors from college, bosses, and older friends. I have friends right now who are in their 30's and 40's with kids (a demographic I'm not a part of yet) who are intentional about spending time with me. They are people I turn to when I'm at a crossroad or need a different perspective. I also have two older men who I meet with for breakfast on a regular basis. These guys are great – they invest time in my life and they are a sounding board for decisions I make in my life. It takes a village to guide a 26 year old too.
Recently, one of my friends' kids was inducted into the NHS society at his school. It was a big day for this sophomore to get such a prestigious honor. He's a really smart kid with a bright academic future ahead of him. But, do you know what happened the day he entered this academic society? His parents encouraged him to call men who are ahead of him in life to meet with intentionally and regularly. His circle widened. His perspectives were broadened. His view of the world was diversified.
My sister graduated from college this weekend. She has loved her time in the undergrad world. I flew into South Carolina on Friday to spend some time with her before the big ceremony. Most of the day was spent tagging along with her, meeting all the people she's spent the last four years with at her school. There are great kids who she's connected with and that she will hold dear to her heart. But, sprinkled in that group of students were a handful of professors who have invested in her life. These adults spent the past four years teaching her their academic specialty, but even more than that, they have been intentional about doing life with her. They too, have been a part of broadening her horizons and giving her different perspectives.
The whole community is a part of our child rearing. It's true.
The temptation is to let our familial groups be the only source of guidance in the lives' of our kids, but in reality it takes more than those natural relationships to produce well-rounded kids. It takes good self-esteem and confidence to let your kids connect to people other than you, but believe me, it's worth it.
So, who is it for your kids? Who are you strategically putting into your kids' lives so they can grow, change, and get different perspectives? Who do you trust to invest in your kids so their circle can widen?