This week, as I sat around tables with parents from our Date Nights and our midpoint dinner with the incredible families at Cire Community Schools in Lilydale, something powerful happened. In between the laughs, the reflections, and the sharing of insights, a moment kept repeating itself:
“I haven’t shared this before…”
Time and time again, parents mums, dads, carers opened up. They shared struggles they’d been holding onto quietly, stories they hadn’t spoken aloud before. And in those moments, something shifted. Walls softened. Eyes welled. And, most importantly, people felt less alone.
It reminded me of something so essential and often overlooked in parenting: we are not meant to do this alone.
Parenting is Not a Solo Sport
We often hear the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child.” But in the busyness of modern life, the pressure to have it all together, and the fear of being judged, many parents are trying to go it alone carrying silent burdens behind closed doors.
But here’s the truth: parenting is too big for one heart to hold alone.
The challenges of raising children whether they’re toddlers testing boundaries or teenagers navigating identity are universal. And when we connect with others who are on similar journeys, something powerful happens. We don’t just share stories; we share strength.
Why Community Matters (The Research Backs It)
Studies have consistently shown that parents who have strong social support systems report:
- Lower stress levels
- Greater confidence in their parenting
- Increased emotional wellbeing
- Better outcomes for their children
A 2020 report from the Parenting Research Centre noted that peer support among parents not only reduces stress but also increases a sense of belonging, improves parenting skills, and builds resilience through shared experience. We are wired for connection. When we lean into it, we all grow stronger.
What We Witnessed This Week
At our Table Talk gatherings this week, what stood out wasn’t just the data we collected or the stories we heard it was the energy in the room when parents realised: I’m not the only one.
That’s the magic of safe spaces. Places where judgement is left at the door. Where vulnerability is met with empathy, not advice. Where you can say, “this is hard,” and someone next to you nods and says, “I know. Me too.”
These are not just programs. They’re pockets of community. And they matter.
From My Heart to Yours
Personally, I know this to be true. If it weren’t for our best friends our chosen family walking with us through life for over 20 years, from pre-kids to raising babies and now teenagers, we may not have made it through some of the harder seasons. We have cried together, laughed until it hurt, and carried each other through sleepless nights and difficult decisions.
We are forever grateful. And we know we are better parents because we didn’t do it alone.
A Practical Invitation
So, what can you do? Start small:
- Reach out to another parent after school drop-off.
- Invite someone over for a cuppa while the kids play.
- Be brave enough to say, “This part is hard for me right now.”
- Listen without needing to fix.
And if you’re looking for a place to start, join our Facebook Group: The Table Talk Project Community. It’s a safe, welcoming space where you can share your thoughts, reflect on your Table Talk experiences, and connect with others who are on this parenting journey too.
Let’s raise our kids in community. Let’s hold space for each other. Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone and we were never meant to be.
Find out more about the 10 week program for families here
