The Power of Connection: Building Community with Other Families

The Power of Connection: Building Community with Other Families

April is often a time of new beginnings—flowers blooming, longer days, and kids finally getting outside again after months of chilly weather. It’s also a wonderful time to think about growing something else: connection.

As parents, we often feel like we’re navigating life on an island—juggling work, routines, and meltdowns while wondering if anyone else feels the same. The truth is, many families feel isolated or stretched thin. That’s why building connections with other families can be such a powerful, even healing, part of the parenting experience.

Whether it’s sharing carpool duties, exchanging parenting tips, or just knowing someone else is in your corner, connection brings relief, laughter, and a much-needed sense of “we’re in this together.” And like anything else, connection doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real.
Let’s explore why community matters, the common challenges that hold us back, and practical ways to build stronger relationships with other families—starting right where you are.

Why Connecting with Other Families Matters

Humans are wired for connection. It’s part of our emotional and mental health. And for parents, especially those with young children, building a “village” of support can be life changing.
Here’s what happens when families connect:

• Children thrive. Kids benefit from watching adults form healthy friendships. They also gain social skills by playing with peers in relaxed, familiar settings.
• Parents feel less alone. Sharing stories, frustrations, and even meals with other families can lighten the mental load of parenting.
• Support becomes available. Whether it’s help in a pinch, parenting advice, or just someone who gets it, having other parents nearby creates a safety net.
• Stress decreases. Simply knowing someone is there, without judgment, can lower anxiety and help parents feel more confident.

One mom, Lauren, shared how connecting with a fellow preschool parent turned her week around: “We were both dropping off our kids and started chatting in the parking lot. I told her I was overwhelmed with errands and appointments. She offered to grab my groceries while she was out. I almost cried—it was such a small thing, but it made me feel seen.”

Common Barriers to Connection

If connecting with other families sounds good in theory but feels hard in practice, you’re not alone. Many parents face obstacles—some emotional, some practical. Here are a few common ones:

1. Time Constraints

Between work, meals, appointments, and sleep schedules, there’s barely a moment to spare.
Try this: Look for micro-moments to connect—brief chats at drop-off, a quick text to check in, or inviting a family to join you at the park you’re already headed to.

2. Fear of Judgment

Worried your house is too messy? That your kid throws tantrums? That you don’t “measure up”? Many parents hold back from connection out of fear they won’t be accepted.
Try this: Remember, vulnerability builds trust. Sharing a struggle (like bedtime battles or picky eating) is often what opens the door to deeper connection.

3. Past Disappointments

Maybe you’ve had a falling out with a friend or felt excluded from a group. Those experiences can leave emotional bruises.
Try this: Start small. A simple hello or kind comment can lay the groundwork for trust over time.

4. Introversion or Social Anxiety

Not everyone feels energized by group events or making new friends.
Try this: Focus on one-on-one connections. Invite another parent for a walk or coffee. Smaller, more meaningful interactions still count as community.

Where to Start: Everyday Opportunities for Connection

You don’t need to join a club or attend every birthday party to build a support network. Community can grow out of the small, everyday routines you’re already part of.
Here are a few low-pressure ways to foster connection with other families:

1. Start Conversations at Drop-Off or Pick-Up

It might feel awkward at first, but even a quick “How’s your morning going?” can open the door. Try remembering other parents’ names or asking about their weekend.

2. Plan Low-Key Playdates

Invite a child and their parent over for an hour to play in the backyard or visit the park. Keep it simple—store-bought snacks, mismatched socks, and all.

3. Create a Family Text Thread

A group message with a few other parents can be great for sharing community events, asking questions (“Anyone know if preschool is closed Monday?”), or just sending silly memes.

4. Celebrate the Small Stuff

Invite another family to join you for a spring picnic, a nature walk, or a sidewalk chalk afternoon. Creating traditions—even tiny ones—can deepen connection.

5. Join Parent-Led Activities

If your child’s daycare or school offers volunteering, group walks, or family nights, say yes when you can. Even showing up once or twice can help you feel more connected.

What Kids Learn From Watching Us Connect

Kids are always observing us—even when we don’t realize it. When they see their parents engaging with others, offering help, or making space for friendships, they internalize those behaviors.
You’re not just building your own support system—you’re modeling how to build one.
When children witness:

• Their parent offering empathy to another parent,
• Adults laughing and being honest,
• Or two families helping each other out—they learn that community is safe, comforting, and important.

One dad, Marcus, talked about how his son started imitating his friendships: “He saw me invite a neighbor over for a fire pit night. The next day, my son asked if his friend could come over to play blocks and eat snacks. I realized, he’s learning how to create his own version of connection.”

Tools for Building Stronger Family Connections

Here are a few practical, parent-tested ideas to encourage relationships between families—while keeping it low-stress and authentic.

1. “Parent Potluck” Saturdays

Rotate houses or meet at a park once a month. Each family brings one simple dish or snack. No need for fancy meals—just a space to relax and connect.

2. “Help Swap” System

Offer to watch a friend’s child for an hour—and trade another time. It gives both families a break and strengthens trust.

3. Share Resources

Have outgrown toys or clothes? Pass them along to another family. Or recommend a podcast, parenting book, or favorite snack your kid loves.

4. Host a Toy Rotation

Invite a few families to join a monthly toy swap. Kids get “new” toys to enjoy, and parents get to declutter.

5. Create a “Kindness Loop”

Encourage your child to help another child with something—zipping a coat, sharing crayons, or inviting someone to play. Later, reflect on it with your child and praise their kindness. Kids who feel encouraged to connect are more likely to continue those habits with others.

When It’s Hard to Connect: What to Remember

If you’ve been feeling lonely, isolated, or unsure how to make meaningful friendships, know this: you’re not doing anything wrong. Many parents feel this way—especially in the early years of raising children.

Instead of trying to be “social” all the time, focus on being authentic. Reach out when it feels right. Offer help when you have the capacity. Accept support when it’s offered.
You don’t need a huge circle. One or two strong family friendships can make all the difference.

A Note of Encouragement

April reminds us of growth, renewal, and fresh starts. If building a community feels overwhelming, think of it like planting seeds. You may not see results overnight—but with time, care, and intention, those connections will grow.

Whether it’s a shared cup of coffee, a kind word in the hallway, or a helping hand on a tough day—each act of connection adds up. You don’t need to do it all. You just need to begin.

And when your child sees you creating these moments? You’re teaching them one of the most valuable life skills of all: how to build relationships rooted in kindness, honesty, and care.

So, here’s to fresh starts, new friendships, and the courage to say “hi” first.

You’re not just building a village—you’re building something beautiful.

Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC

Katlyn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and the founder of Apricity Counseling LLC. With a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Katlyn brings nearly eight years of experience in mental health settings to her practice.

Katlyn is dedicated to helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life transitions. She also supports individuals facing trauma, postpartum challenges, self-esteem concerns, and compassion fatigue. Inspired by the meaning of "apricity"—the warmth of the sun on a winter day—her practice reflects her commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for healing and growth.

Currently offering telehealth services with a sliding scale and most insurances accepted, Katlyn looks forward to expanding to in-person care in the future. She also integrates Christian-based therapy when appropriate, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

Outside of her career, Katlyn cherishes her roles as a wife and mother. She enjoys traveling, engaging with her community, and savoring her favorite obsession—coffee. Guided by the words of John A. Shedd, "A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for," Katlyn believes therapy isn’t easy, but it's a tool provided to make challenges feel less lonely.