Parenting across the globe

The proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” is a widespread sentiment throughout African cultures. Though there are many variations of the phrase, they all point to one philosophy: having an abundance of parental figures and influences is essential for raising happy and healthy kids.

Let’s be honest, no matter where in the globe you reside, parenting can be a tough gig. I would know — I’m a hands-on aunty to two wild little boys. I’ve been called “Mama Jess” more times than I can count and I’ve spent more hours than I’d like to admit hanging my head in my hands, post toddler-tantrum, poring over where I went wrong. I’m intimately aware that parenting is simultaneously rewarding and thankless; equally terrifying, boring, exhausting and exhilarating. And that’s just the beginning.

In my