Village on a Picnic Blanket

Nestled in the winding streets of Carroll Park Way is an emerald oasis for new parents of the neighborhood. A small community of support has sprouted within the hidden gem of green grass and welcoming shade. Families have been bringing their young children to play while providing each other support, encouragement and the occasional moment of respite.

The group gathers on a large blanket laid across the thick grass of the park. The children, ranging from a few months old to a few years, all giggle and play together under the watchful gaze of the ring of parents surrounding them. The parents, some new and others well practiced, happily interact with each of the children. The scene is reminiscent of a more rarely seen style of community parenting.

The village that helped to raise children in the past has become less of a standard in modern life. Today, most family trees have branches reaching across state lines and beyond. The ease of access to daycare has filled a role that was historically taken on by family members and even neighbors.

Many modern parents do not have the generations of community support and bonding that previous generations of parents relied upon.

Sarah and her partner Alex have been navigating the joyful, and sometimes overwhelming, role of parents for the last six months. With Sarah’s family in Indiana and Alex’s family in Florida, they have at times felt isolated from a support system of family that many new parents rely on.

Sarah brings her daughter to the park most days where she has created friendships with the other parents and their children. There she can share new milestones achieved, lament the loss of sleep, and watch her daughter safely play with other children.

“It’s nice to know you are not alone,” said Sarah.

Some of the parents, such as Sushmitha, have years of experience. While her son is old enough to participate in after-school programs, she brings her youngest to play a few times a month. She was seen gently using her youngest, a giggling toddler named Eva, to demonstrate different sleeping positions for a newer parent and explaining at what ages they can be used.

The group came together without any committee or official planning. It naturally grew as parents of young children connected and now gather daily.

Carmen, a Long Beach resident, and mother who lives nearby said, “I was just walking by, and I saw people with babies and they were friendly and welcoming.”

 Since then, Carmen and her daughter have been regularly joining the group. It has become a place for Carmen to fulfill her need for connection with others.

“It’s a good place for the Third Space,” Carmen said. “Parents and children can have that needed connection.”

This is referencing the social theory that separates social connection into three categories. The first is home, the second is work, and the third is informal gathering spots within the community.

The group has become a little smaller in the last couple of weeks, both due to it getting dark sooner as well as the temperature dipping slightly. Yet a strong number of parents and children still come bundled in warm clothes and ready to play.

Each time a family comes the group greets them by name with warm smiles. They provide a space for parents to express current struggles or excitement, offering advice and encouragement. As families leave for nap time or dinner, they are provided a farewell that encourages them to join the group the next day.