I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., the makers of TYLENOL®. The opinions stated are my own.
We have all heard the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child.” The phrase really became well known back in 1996 when then first lady, Hillary Clinton, published a book titled It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us. But what does that phrase really mean and does it apply to you and me? It perfectly describes my family and I’ll tell you why.
TYLENOL®, a brand with a rich heritage in serving families, is celebrating all the ways that people family today through the #HowWeFamily campaign. I’m excited to share my family’s story with you.
Once upon a time, I was a young bride, married to my high school sweetheart. We had a son. A beautiful baby boy who was perfect in every way. Life was good.
Until it wasn’t.
Like many young married couples, our relationship didn’t last. I found myself divorced and left to care for my son on my own since his father was living in a different state.
Except, I really wasn’t alone.
I was blessed with an amazing support system of family and friends who supported me with their time, emotional support and sometimes financial support. My mom who had once had her own struggles, being divorced with four children, was my rock and inspiration.
Aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas are the best babysitters. When I finally landed a great job working for the phone company, I had to start out working a late shift that didn’t end until 9 in the evening. I don’t know what I would have done without my Dad who picked my son up from the YMCA each afternoon. My son had a special bond with his grandpa. I will forever be thankful to dad stepping in and being the male role model my son needed.
I knew I was going to start crying when I sat down to write this.
Fast forward about 20 years…
My son is a wonderful, successful young man thanks to the village that helped raise him. We are now living in rural Georgia, along with my Mom, to help my brother and sister-in-law out with their kids. They both work long hours and often have to travel out-of-town.
I am so thankful for the close relationship I have with my nieces and nephew. It feels great being able to give back.
I love these girls so much…
In some cultures, multigenerational families are the norm. It’s a trend I am noticing more and more here in the U.S. I love having my Mom under the same roof. I am so lucky to be part of an amazing village. An amazing family. This is #HowWeFamily.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Each with their own struggles and triumphs and a unique story to tell. I hope you’ll join me and take part in the TYLENOL® #HowWeFamily campaign.
Send out a tweet on Twitter, post to Facebook or Instagram and share a photo or video of what represents your family love and pride using the #HowWeFamily hashtag. I can’t wait to hear your story!
I can’t imagine being a mother who has to do it all alone. I am so thankful for my own support system of good friends and family who help me though my journey of motherhood.
This post makes me miss my Mom. She helped me so much when I was a young mother. It does take a village!
We are a multigenerational family. I live with my parents. I love the support I get from them and vice versa.
What a beautiful reminder of how important family is. Doesn’t matter who’s in the family as long as there is love
Like you I had a great support system after my divorce. We are lucky.
What a lovely post – I have to admit I’ve not heard of the saying it takes a village before. x
I’m so happy your story is such a happy one. I can imagine it was scary at first becoming a single parent, but you’ve got a great support.
I have always agreed it takes a village to raise a child. I am very thankful for all the help i had when my kids were younger.
I totally agree. This is such a beautiful post. What a great reminder how important and special family really is.
Families are villages…we should never forget the value of family.