ACCEPT THE VIRTUAL VILLAGE

As a parent, I give my daughter all of me. But is it enough? I ask, wonder and worry constantly in order to either calm my nerves, or launch myself into perpetual anxiety mode. When I look into her larger than saucer, chocolate colored eyes and hear her melt your heart, raspy voice, I think of, “It takes a village.” I then question why this philosophy is the exception, rather than the norm.

With the constant advancement of technology, this concept of the village is definitely more accessible. Just consider video conferencing, via any reputable service can shrink the geographic distance between us. Despite this reality, we still take it upon ourselves to tackle it all, the whole laundry list of to-dos in the hope of conquering the biggies, the most pressing issues of all…those that affect our children, positively and negatively.

We smile and nod at one another casually, as if all is well, when under the collar, figurative beads of sweat bud at the mere thought of sleep and potty training, food allergies, bullying, and the ever-feared learning disability. And why? Do we insist on jining our acting skills and remnants of playing in a pretend world to appear better than others? Or is it to fool ourselves into believing we are good enough to be victorious in the end? I challenge you. The next time you encounter an opportunity to accept help and even expertise from someone ready and willing to help…take it!

Allow yourself the universal right to be imperfect, the number two position at something, especially when it benefits your peace of mind, stress level and your child’s welfare. No matter where you live, find the assistance you need and deserve. I guarantee, it is out there for you.

***Amanda Jane Avis is a lover of all things movement. She can be found teaching Pilates, yoga, BarreJane and gyrokinesis, or dancing to Motown with her toddler. For more, visit malamotion.com.