The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” resonates deeply with me, serving as a powerful reminder that the journey of raising a child is not one we can undertake alone. Even if we wanted to do it alone (which, let’s be honest, sounds exhausting!), the reality is that it’s nearly impossible. The support of a community, both seen and unseen, is woven into the very fabric of how we nurture and guide our children.
Think about it: even in the simplest aspects of parenting, we’re already relying on others. The books we read to our children, the educational videos and resources we use to supplement their learning, and the teachers and scholars who help guide them in their deen—all of these are contributions from others that enrich our children’s lives. The fabric we use to clothe them and the food we provide, sourced from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, also reflect our dependence on a broader community.
For those who homeschool, the need for community becomes even more apparent. Homeschooling parents often seek or create opportunities for their children to interact with peers, learn from various outdoor and indoor settings, and engage with other educators or experts. These experiences underscore the idea that while the primary responsibility of raising a child may lie with the parents, the contributions of others are invaluable.
I hesitate to say it’s impossible to raise a child without a village, but I do question how it could be done effectively and why one would choose that path. Our natural inclination is to interact with our families and societies, to give and take, and to support one another. This interconnectedness is vital for ensuring that we provide a safe and thriving environment for our children.
In essence, raising a child is a communal effort. By acknowledging the roles that others play in our children’s lives, we embrace the idea that we are all part of something bigger—a community committed to the well-being and growth of its younger members. It’s not just about relying on others; it’s about building a network of support, shared knowledge, and mutual care that helps all of us, including our children, flourish as Muslims.
At UmmahLit, we believe in the adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We are a company rooted in community education. We recognize that there are numerous avenues for children to learn and grow—whether at home, in schools, or at masjids so we provide supporting resources for parents, teachers and youth leaders. We understand that we are stronger together, and we seek to do our part in helping to build a thriving community that encourage spaces for our children to learn, play, and strengthen their deen.