When they say 'it takes a village', this is what they mean...

There’s something no one really tells you before you have a baby: how much you’ll need other people who get it.

Not in a big, dramatic way. Just in the small, everyday moments. The “is this normal?” and the "FML" texts. The knowing looks across a messy room. The quiet relief of realising someone else’s child is also refusing to wear shoes today.

Being around other parents when you’ve got a baby or toddler isn’t just “nice to have”—it can genuinely make everything feel a bit lighter.

Because suddenly, you’re not the only one.

You're not the only one wrestling a crying toddler into their buggy when it's time to leave the park. You're not the only one exhausted because you've had such a broken night you're not sure you actually slept at all. You're not the only one wearing yesterday's pants because the laundry didn't get done because you were naptrapped all day.

There’s a kind of comfort in being around people who don’t need an explanation. You don’t have to justify why you’re late, why you look tired, or why you’ve just handed your child a snack two minutes after the last one. They already know.

It also gives you space to breathe a bit. Not in a “put your feet up for hours” kind of way, because we know that never happens, but in those tiny moments. When someone holds your baby for a minute. When your child is busy watching other kids. When you get to finish a cup of tea while it’s still warm. Small things, but they feel big.

And then there’s the reassurance.

Parenting can be oddly isolating, even though you’re never physically alone. It’s very easy to get stuck in your own head, wondering if you’re doing things “right.” Being around other parents gently reminds you that there isn’t one right way. Everyone’s figuring it out as they go.

You pick things up from each other too—little ideas, different ways of handling things, new games, new perspectives. Not in a comparison way, just in a “oh, I might try that” kind of way.

But maybe the biggest thing is this: it makes the hard days feel less heavy.

When you’ve had a rough morning, getting out and seeing other adults can shift something. You can say “it’s been a day” and someone will really understand what you mean. No explanations needed. It doesn't need to be a big organised outing - it could be a quick walk round the block with the buggies, or a doorstep chat. It could be pulling up at the McDonald's drive through and eating fries together while your babies sleep in the backseat (been there done that!).

Parenting was never meant to be done in isolation, and even a little bit of community can make a big difference. You'll always get a warm welcome at Little Goose Play Cafe in Tavistock. Everyone who works here is a parent, so we get it. We'll give you a hand getting the buggy through the door. We'll hold your baby while you go for a wee. We'll sneak you an extra shot of coffee if you give us the nod. And most importantly, we'll listen without judgement.

Our play sessions are a great way to get out of the house and meet other parents, and to start building your village. If your baby is still tiny then you might prefer our monthly New Mums Club, which is for anyone pregnant or with a baby under 6 months. You can view all our sessions here, or even just email us for a chat or advice. We're always happy to signpost you to services or other groups too.

Email: hello@littlegooseplaycafe.com