It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”: The History and Meaning Behind the Phrase

The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is more than just a feel-good quote—it’s a truth rooted in cultures around the world for centuries. For generations, raising children was never the sole responsibility of parents. Instead, communities worked together to nurture, protect, and guide the next generation.

The Origins of the Phrase

While often attributed to African cultures, the exact origin of the proverb isn’t tied to one specific tribe or country. Versions of the saying exist across African oral traditions, reflecting the deep belief that children are seen as belonging to the entire community.

The phrase gained widespread recognition in the United States when Hillary Clinton used it as the title of her 1996 book “It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us.” Since then, it’s become a widely recognized way to express the importance of collective care in raising children.

But the truth is, long before it was a book title or a slogan, the idea was a lived reality. In many cultures—African, Indigenous, Asian, and more, child-rearing was a shared responsibility, where neighbors, extended family, and elders all played active roles.

Why the Village Matters

The essence of the phrase is simple: children thrive when they are supported not just by their parents, but by a broader community. That “village” might provide:

• Practical Support – Shared childcare, meals, or help with everyday tasks.
• Wisdom and Guidance – Elders passing down knowledge and traditions.
• Emotional Safety – Children growing up surrounded by love and trust.

This collective approach lightens the load for parents and gives children a richer, more connected upbringing.

What Happened to the Village?

Modern life has made the village harder to find. Families are more spread out, neighbors don’t always know each other, and parents—especially moms—are often expected to carry the entire burden alone.

The result? Rising levels of parental burnout, loneliness, and mental health struggles. The wisdom of the proverb has never been more relevant.

How MiJi Brings the Village Back

MiJi was created with this exact truth in mind: no mom should raise children in isolation. By connecting local moms to share support—whether that’s a school pickup swap, a meal train, or just a friendly check-in—we’re reviving the spirit of the village in a modern way.

Because raising a child has never been a one-person job. It takes care, community, and connection.

Join MiJi and be part of the modern village where moms support each other—and children thrive because of it.

---