Remember when everyone said, "it takes a village to raise a child"—but no one could actually find the village?
Yesterday, I was sipping my way through my morning oat latte, scrolling through Substack (as one does in 2025), when I landed on this thought-provoking article: "Why is it so hard to get families to live in community houses?" I couldn’t help but nod along. Haven’t we all fantasized, at least once, about a support-rich commune where dinner is potluck, babysitting is built-in, and everyone high-fives over their composting toilets?
But here’s the kicker: building that "village" is WAY harder than it sounds. And, oddly enough, the very tech that’s helping families conceive is changing the way we even think about community. Ready for some unexpected truths? Let’s dive in.
1. Everyone Wants a Village... But No One Agrees on What That Looks Like
The Substack article nails it: we’re nostalgic for togetherness, but when it comes down to sharing bathrooms or joint bedtime routines, the details get fuzzy. Some want tight communal bonds, others crave privacy. The dream, it seems, is always a little different from the reality.
- Relatable Confession: I once tried a “parent pod” with neighbors. Three weeks later, we were arguing about screen time and what snacks were “acceptable.” Yikes.
2. Fertility Tech Is Making Parenting More Personal—But Also More Isolated
Here’s the open loop: If tech is supposed to connect us, why does it sometimes make us feel more alone?
Thanks to game-changers like at-home insemination kits, surrogacy platforms, and fertility apps, more people are building families on their own terms. That’s #empowering… but it often happens outside of traditional community settings. People are skipping the awkward doctor visits and creating families from the privacy of home.
Case in Point:
I know two couples who used MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits to start their families—one single, one LGBTQ+. Both told me: “I did it on my own. It felt amazing.” But after the positive test, both realized they were missing out on the casual support that used to come with extended family or neighborhood aunties.
3. Modern Parents Are Building ‘Digital Villages’—But IRL Is Still Missing
We’re more connected than ever—hello, group chats and Instagram DMs. Apps can track ovulation, log baby naps, and even connect you to virtual lactation consultants. But can FaceTime really replace a midnight pep talk from your best friend across the hall?
- Quick Poll: How many of your support “villagers” live more than 100 miles away? Yeah, me too.
4. Community Can Start with Shared Tools (Yes, Even Fertility Kits)
Here’s a twist you probably didn’t expect: Shared technology is sparking new forms of community. When people choose reusable, cost-friendly insemination kits (like MakeAMom’s CryoBaby or BabyMaker), they often end up exchanging stories, tips, and encouragement in online forums or local meetups.
What I love: - MakeAMom ships their products discreetly, so you’re in control of your privacy. - Their site is packed with real-life testimonials, and the average 67% success rate isn’t just good marketing—it’s a beacon of hope for those who’ve felt left out by traditional systems. - Sometimes, community starts with a simple conversation: “Hey, did that kit work for you?”
5. Redefining the Village: Tech + Intentional Connection
Here’s where the open loop closes. If the old-fashioned “village” is tough to build, maybe it’s time to rethink what counts as community. Parents today are hacking the game—blending fertility tech with intentional support, both digital and face-to-face.
Want to try building your own micro-village? Here’s what’s working in 2025: - Start small: Family group chats, monthly open-house playdates, or local interest groups online. - Lean into technology: Use apps and kits that empower you, but look for platforms (like MakeAMom’s resource page) where users swap advice and stories. - Don’t be afraid to ask: Need help? Start with one neighbor or friend. Vulnerability = community.
Final Thoughts: Can We Really Build the Village, or Are We Just Dreaming?
Let’s be real—it’s not easy. But every time we embrace new fertility solutions, share our stories, or reach out (even virtually), we edge a little closer to the support we all crave. Modern parenting isn’t about giant communes—it’s about building the village one connection at a time.
So, what’s your dream village look like? Have you found your tribe—or are you still searching for that midnight babysitter? Drop your thoughts below! Let’s crowdsource some hope.