The Changing Portrait of the “Villages” We Rely on for Raising Children

Ever heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child?” It’s as true today as it was back in the day—but what that “village” looks like has changed quite a bit. A recent survey by The Goddard School revealed that modern parenting villages are smaller and include more friends than the ones many of us grew up with.

Here’s the scoop: The survey asked 2,000 parents of kids aged 6 and under about their support systems. While today’s parents rely on an average of seven people to help with child-rearing, they remember their childhood “villages” being slightly larger—around eight people. Interestingly, friends now play a bigger role than they used to, nudging out aunts and uncles. That said, grandparents still reign supreme as the ultimate MVPs of the parenting squad, both then and now.

But it’s not just about the size of the village; it’s about the impact. A whopping 87% of parents agreed their support system helps improve their child’s social and emotional development. From teaching kindness to building resilience, having a reliable “team” seems to make a big difference.

Feeling like your village could use some reinforcements? You’re not alone—and there are plenty of ways to grow your tribe. Whether it’s leaning on friends, joining parent groups, or simply asking for help, it’s all about finding the people who’ve got your back (and your kiddo’s too).

Want more tips on building your village? Check out resources here. After all, raising a child may be the adventure of a lifetime, but no one said you have to go it alone!