I understand the many questions parents have, the constant self-doubt and guilt that comes with the different stages of childrearing and family life in general. However, we often just need our village to get through. You know, the village that helps us raise our children. In Irish or Gaeilge, we have a word ‘meitheal’. It means ‘team’. I like to think of it in the parenting context as a ‘community’ or ‘tribe’ – our very own village. With our tribe we thrive.

When we are listened to and are heard, have the right support for ourselves and the space to grow, we can cope with the tasks and responsibilities that come with parenting. It isn’t just our children who are growing each day. As parents, we are constantly learning and growing into our role.  None of us have ever been right here, before. It is important that we have a village. Parenting is not a journey to go on alone.