Shaunie Cousins
Mrs. Beaverton America 2025
Let’s be real—parenting is no walk in the park. Unless that park involves chasing a toddler who refuses to put on pants, bribing a child to stop eating dirt, and attempting to drink your third cup of cold coffee. And while raising a family can feel like a solo mission at times, the truth is, we weren’t meant to do this alone. That’s where community comes in.
Family resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges, grow through adversity, and emerge stronger—doesn’t just come from within the four walls of your home. It’s built in the spaces between, in the connections we make with others. Whether it’s your neighbor who drops off a meal when you’re knee-deep in chaos, the friend who listens to your parenting struggles without judgment, or the local group where your kids run wild while you enjoy a moment of adult conversation—these connections are lifelines.
Why Community Matters
Think about it: when life throws curveballs (and let’s be honest, it’s more like dodgeball some days), having a support network makes all the difference. Your community provides not only practical help, like referrals to resources, advice, or babysitting, but also emotional support, reminding you that you’re not in this alone. And when families are supported, they’re more likely to weather the storms with resilience, grace, and maybe even a laugh or two.
The Strength in Showing Up
Building these connections doesn’t mean you need to host weekly dinner parties or be the PTA superstar (unless you really want to). It’s about showing up. Whether that’s attending a neighborhood event, joining a parent group, or just chatting with another parent at the park, small steps lead to big connections. And when we support each other, we teach our kids the importance of community, empathy, and kindness.
We’re Stronger Together
The truth is, raising a family is tough, but when we lean on each other, the load feels a little lighter. Community isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for fostering family resilience. So, let’s ditch the idea that we have to do it all alone and instead embrace the beauty of connection.
And hey, if that connection happens over a cup of [hot!] coffee while the kids are safely occupied, even better.
Let’s build our resilience—together.
In Love and Unity,