Park Day in Douglas

 

Making Strides in Community Building

We kicked off our park days with an event in Douglas MA, hosted by Picnic at the Park, a non-profit organization. It was an uplifting day to spend time as a family at a park enjoying a friendly chat and some sensory activities. Since we embrace the gentle parenting philosophy and focus on child-led activities, a lot of times we go the playground for social opportunities only to wander off into the field or a trail. Playground can get noisy, that I don’t mind, but my kiddo does. At least, sometimes. Other times, he’s happy to parallel play or do some observational play. We’re also not part of any specific community, so striving to create a sense of community for him has been challenging, especially because he’s a covid- kid, a child who spent a portion of his early childhood in isolation and lockdown, as we all did. Some research into community building, because I like to google stuff, showed that building a community requires a dedicated focus on unity, communication, togetherness, and shared goals. Togetherness with like-minded people is important, it’s healthy and a beautiful part of life, and we want to show him that. Here is what I learned:  

Step 1. Identifying Common Interests: The crux of a tight-knit community can be in a mutual interest or a common cause that unites individuals. This shared experience forms the foundation of solidarity, fostering genuine connections.

Step 2. Encouraging Active Participation: Creating an engaging, inclusive platform where everyone feels heard is vital. Encouraging individuals to share their ideas openly and constructively.

Step 3. Ensuring Open Communication: Open and regular communication keeps a community well-connected and informed.

Step 4. Organizing Regular Meeting Up or Events: Regular gatherings keep the spirit of the community alive.

Step 5. Sharing Responsibilities: Balancing responsibilities ensures every member feels valued while preventing a few from being overwhelmed.

Step 6. Building Trust: Last but not least, trust is integral. Establishing confidence in each other paves the way for stronger social bonds and a supportive environment. Keeping in mind being patient because trust takes time to grow.

My kiddo’s involvement at the park warmed my heart. Community development and participation in community events can be guide towards a more empathetic, understanding society. When we can teach our children these values at the grassroots level, we cultivate a generation who can carry forward these principles, making our world a better place to live.

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