We all know the classic line from seasoned moms: "It takes a village to raise a child." But what happens when you're the first couple in your friend group to start a family? What happens when you've just moved to Charleston and are without those familiar faces? Or for whatever reason, what happens when you find yourself in the midst of a hard season of starting over while trying to find the joy in parenting?

Wherever you are in your parenting journey your village is just that - your own village! Sometimes we need a gentle reminder, but it is yours to create. You don't need to wait for your friends to catch up to your life stage or until your loved ones decide to relocate closer to you. You can start now!

It has been so much fun seeing how parents in Charleston are connecting online! I have personally seen so many running groups, moms' night outs, and meet-ups happening. Recently, my sister-in-law hosted a coffee bar in her neighborhood before the first day of school. Parents were able to grab coffee, connect and get their kids to school on time.

If you are having trouble figuring out how to start or build your village, remember this: don't worry about looking like a put together parent. We all have messiness in our lives, especially with little ones in tow! From my personal experience, the best way to look and feel like you have it together is by putting on a smile and getting to know other parents rather than focusing on yourself.

So put yourself out there. Attend the moms groups, talk to the parent at the park, plan the double date with the new neighbors, or start a neighborhood coffee stand! If you are one of the lucky ones who has an amazing village already, make it better and invite someone in. At the end of the day, building your village isn't about perfection, its about showing up, sharing life with others, and remembering that we need a village and our village needs us!