By: Victoria H
We have the world at our fingertips with today’s technology so why may we feel so isolated? The ability to connect with people all over the world is better than ever before yet we still don’t have the village that we once knew growing up. 2026 is a new year and an opportunity to live in our Reconnection Era. We now can choose to rebuild the presence, community, and human connections that once shaped our lives.
It wasn’t too long ago that people had a “village” to rely on. Having neighbors to watch children before and after school, family members available to help with appointments, and friends that would sit and talk with you about the day used to be a common standard. Now our busy calendars, constant screen time, frequent moves, and a new culture of independence have slowly chipped away at how things once were. The new reality is that we are trying to parent without the support systems that made it once sustainable.
It is completely natural to long for connection. Friendship and community provide much needed emotional and physical support. Parents can feel grounded when others validate their season of life and children get to build life-long friendships with other kids. Most importantly, children get to witness their caretakers interact and build a sense of belonging beyond the home.
Rebuilding the village doesn’t have to require grand plans or perfect gatherings. Sometimes it means being the one to speak up first, even if it feels uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to offer to hang out in a safe place. A casual meetup at the park, farmers market, or a stroll through your favorite department store together can help build a connection while running your usual errands. These moments don’t have to be formal or impressive or even impede your busy schedule. What matters most is consistency to grow connection, comfort, and potential support. Schedules won’t always align so it’s important to keep trying and not give up on each other.
Many of us hesitate because we don’t want to seem needy or intrusive. The truth is, most people are craving connection as much as we are. Everyone could benefit from more community, shared moments, and reminders that we’re not alone. When one person reaches out, it often opens the door for others to do the same. For example, I struck up a conversation with a mom at a park. Our children played so well together that she offered her number to text me when they visit the park again to see if my family could join. That small act of reaching out has led to a newfound family friendship.
Creating a connection is more about participation than about perfection. It’s about recognizing that we are all doing our best in a world that no longer makes it easy to stay physically connected. Our Reconnection Era happens by choice with one conversation, meetup, and moment of courage at a time. Let’s get back to reaching out, gathering simply, and building the village our children will remember!
Be sure to try the free “Peanut App” that helps connect you with other moms in your area!