Short of having sister wives, a good safety net of neighbors can ease the stress of motherhood, especially when it comes to childcare. The ultimate in friendship is being able to take on a friend's brood when she needs a quick getaway or her scheduled sitter has left her high and dry. Or, if you're me, you need a workout. Bad.
So when my neighbor Cara (I know! Same name! I've never had a friend with my name before!) asked if I could watch her two boys for her I was honored that she would ask. When she offered to bring me lunch, I politely turned her down. I don't want lunch. I want the luxury of a workout in the middle of the day unencumbered by children.
Cara got what she needed. Kara got what she wanted. I think Cara and Kara have the beginning of something beautiful.
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6 comments:
I had never heard anyone else mention the utility of a sister-wife before now. I feel so vindicated!
Also, I suck at getting to know my neighbors... I should probably work on that per your example.
I don't know what I would do without my neighbor! Her oldest has been our babysitter - turned-friend for 6 years. Her younger two come over to play quite often. What I really love about our friendship is that she is a working mom and I'm a stay at home mom. We help each other out where we can and encourage each other. We don't have a lot of time to "talk" through the week but we are usually texting each other to catch up and see where we can help each other out. So thankful for that - especially since my closest family members are 6 hours away!
Love your story Jessica! And Arual, Jessica's another good example. Start knocking on doors!
Just found your blog! I agree- I've got a neighbor with a toddler nearly the same age as mine and it is such a blessing to have her to trade duties!
Love my neighbors! In fact, we dislike our house but refuse to move because we love our neighbors so much(you've seen my house). They are so awesome that they have helped me out WAY more than I have helped them. I have the youngest kids and hope to balance out the help someday! Pay it forward??
What happens when you start to feel guilty but your neighbors insist it is not a problem?
Sister wives... rofl. I think that's one of the biggest ways we underserve women in our current society: the lack of immediate support. This used to be supplied by our families - until we all moved away from each other. Then it was the other moms - until most of us went back to work. And now it just makes me realize that a good friend who is available when you need her is worth their weight in gold!
PS. NOT saying it's bad to move away from your family or go to work, just saying it's unraveled the natural support structure taht women have traditionally relied on and society has yet to provide something reliable in its stead.
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