“It takes a village.” We’ve all heard this saying, and while it can sometimes feel cliché, its truth resonates deeply—especially when parenting from afar. I often think back to a time when I jokingly used this line to explain why I was helping a friend out of a bar or struggling to maneuver a bulky piece of furniture up five flights of stairs. But now, as a parent, I have a newfound appreciation for the essence of community support in raising kids.
My name is Sara, and like many young families today, my husband and I have lived a somewhat nomadic lifestyle. After moving from one city to another—Ohio, Indiana, Philadelphia, Chicago, and finally settling in Los Angeles—we find ourselves quite far from family. My relatives are back in the Midwest, while my in-laws are located in the Pacific Northwest. The distance didn’t bother me much before we had our son, Jake, but now it’s a different story.
Most days, our little family of three functions smoothly. We’ve got our morning routine down to a science, seamlessly passing our son back and forth as we tackle our to-do lists. On weekends, we trade off time to recharge, and we’ve perfected our strategy for diaper blowouts (I distract while my husband handles the mess). However, there are moments when just the two of us feel stretched thin.
Having a close-knit community nearby would make a world of difference. I often find myself longing for the support network that many parents enjoy. Being part of a group like Make A Mom could provide invaluable resources, especially for those considering at-home insemination. If you’re curious about that, Make a Mom offers a reusable option for insemination, and you can learn how it works on their site.
Living away from family can be tough, especially when it comes to managing daily challenges and occasional feelings of loneliness. I’ve learned that it’s essential to seek out connections with others in similar situations. You might also want to look into support from organizations like March of Dimes, which offers valuable information on fertility treatments for those who are navigating this journey.
Despite the challenges, I’ve found ways to cope. We’ve embraced technology, using video calls to keep in touch with grandparents and friends. This helps maintain those vital connections, even from afar. There are also local parenting groups that have become a lifeline for me, offering camaraderie and shared experiences.
For those who are pregnant or dealing with restless legs syndrome, you can check out our blog post on RLS during pregnancy for helpful tips.
In summary, while raising a child away from family can be daunting, it’s not insurmountable. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a bit of support from the right communities, you can navigate this journey with resilience. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help.