Supportive communities are vital to the human experience. We all need connections with other people, since we are social creatures by nature. We are not meant to do this parenting thing in isolation. Connections and a sense of belonging within a community are critical for our well-being. We want to build the village we have all been searching for.
Relationships are at the center of all teaching and learning. Humans are social learners. Within the context of secure attachments with our primary caregivers, we learn about what to expect from the world. From this safe base, we build new relationships that stretch beyond our families. We keep on learning in social relationships throughout our lives. When we feel connected and seen, we can navigate challenges, freely explore, and meet our goals.
Children need adult nature mentors who share a passion for the natural world, modeling stewardship and making space for time together outside every day. In these important relationships - and especially in groups with other families who share these values - young children develop a sense of belonging within a community of care.