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The Loss of A Village: A Modern Parent's Dilemma

The Loss of A Village: A Modern Parent's Dilemma

Jordan Greenberg
December 11, 2023

Happy Monday,

On Saturday, my wife and I hosted a party to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday party. It was a huge success, and her birthday outfit literally arrived as the party was starting. Talk about timing!

Our daughter loves the show Duck & Goose, so naturally we had a duck themed party. A few days before the party, my wife found a super cute dress online and ordered it. Of course, it got delayed in transit and the updated shipping had it being delivered to our mailbox the day of her party (which was thankfully from 4-6pm). Also it’s important to note that we’re currently waiting for a new mailbox key. Naturally that meant that I was in charge of making sure to stalk USPS and make sure that as soon as they arrived, I was there to ask them to give me my mail.

Well, with minutes to spare before we lit the birthday candles, the truck pulled up and I was able to convince him to give us the dress. It did look excellent and made for a great story and pictures.

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One Big Idea

The Loss of a Village

In today's modern world, millennial and Gen Z parents like my wife and I and many of our friends are confronting a stark reality: the proverbial village it takes to raise a child is fading away. There’s no question that young modern parents face a new set of challenges. Many of us have demanding jobs and the absence of support networks leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Unlike previous generations, where extended family and community played a crucial role in raising children, our experience can highlight the growing trend of isolation among young parents. Furthermore, many of my child-free friends, struggle to relate to our new responsibilities, adding the sense of disconnect.

This isolation isn't just a personal struggle; it's symptomatic of broader societal shifts impacting millennial and Gen Z parents. Many have moved away from traditional support systems in pursuit of better job opportunities or affordable living. Even when relatives are nearby, the demands of modern work life often leave little room for them to assist in childcare. Moreover, as the cost of living, especially childcare and housing, continues to soar, young parents are caught in a relentless cycle of work and financial strain. The economic landscape we are navigating is unforgiving – a product of recessions, a college-debt crisis, and a labor market that's been less than kind. As incomes slowly rise to meet historical highs, the cost of essentials like childcare and baby supplies has also skyrocketed, often even outpacing income gains. These financial burdens are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent a profound impact on the everyday lives and choices of young families like ours.

The overall effect of these challenges can be a profound sense of isolation and a departure from the communal child-raising practices of the past. This shift not only affects the parents but also the fabric of society, as communal bonds weaken and the support systems that once nurtured new generations fade. The concept of "it takes a village to raise a child" seems increasingly like a relic of a past era, leaving young parents to navigate the complex journey of parenthood largely alone.