It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

The quote "It takes a village to raise a child," is a true statement.
Parenting is just one aspect of helping your children develop into
adulthood. Another aspect of development comes from those who are
involved in the child's environment. Next-door neighbors, dear
friends, and especially extended family, can play a large part in the
development of your child. Let me share with you how someone from
our extended family has helped us raise our children.

Gerilyn is our children's favorite Aunt. She has never married and
the time that she could so easily spend on herself is usually spent
on others in helping them to improve themselves or their
circumstances. Gerilyn is one who has enveloped my children with
love and enriched their lives. Her sharing, giving, and loving
attitude toward my children has been a constant source of guidance
for them. It's important for kids to have a source like "a Gerilyn."

Though parents are constantly trying to teaching their children
right from wrong, at some point their sermons may begin to turn into
repetitive, banal instruction. During these times, a "Gerilyn" can
become especially useful. The "Gerilyns" of your children's
environment can be a useful tool to validating your wishes. They can
teach your children in other ways that you as a parent cannot. Some
of the best things my children love about their Aunt Gerilyn are:

She can burp the ABC's.

She grows a garden where they do most of the picking

She makes great breakfasts for them

She has lots of fun games (and she always plays the games with them)

And she takes each of them out for a hamburger - one on one.

I do some of the same things with my children (with the exception
of burping the ABC's) yet her involvement has a different impact on
them. She has developed a peer relationship with them rather than
a parent relationship, and that strong peer relationship helps the
children to gain confidence and understanding from a different
perspective. Sometimes the things they discuss are minimal, and
sometimes they are of great relevance to life's difficult challenges.

When a child can bond with someone who has high standards, impeccable
talents and skills, and a good work ethic, both parties will be better
off for it. The blessing that comes from building friendships can
happen between two people whether they are nine or ninety.

I've had many who have said to me, "You're lucky to have 'a
Gerilyn.'" I guess we are. But wise parents find people like Gerilyn,
and allow them into the lives of their children. I wish you luck in
finding "a Gerilyn" to expand and cultivate the life of your own child!