The importance of a support network

It would be best to start with what a support network is. A support network is the ‘team’ of people you have in your life that, through different roles they may play, help support you in your physical and mental growth. They are the people that you can draw on for support, motivation and overall well-being.

These support networks don’t just happen, they take time to nurture and grow. They require you to give. This may be in giving of your time, kind words, stepping out of your comfort zone, carrying out favours and so on. But each act you do, helps build that support system so when it is time for you to ask for something (going out for a dinner, needing a favour or even a shoulder to cry on) those people are there to give back.

Research shows that having a strong support network is vital to positive mental health and wellbeing. It shows that people with strong support networks live happier and healthier lives, report lower rates of depression and anxiety and ultimately have a stronger sense of belonging.

As parents, we know that out children need this and we do everything we can to support that (playdates, sending them to school, after school clubs and so forth) but can we honestly say that we put the same effort into building our own support networks as we do build theirs?

Understand that having your own support network helps build theirs, but how?

1.)    Lead by example.

Children learn best through practical example. If You want them to build a good support network, then you need to show them what this looks like by having one for yourself.

2.)    Understand social norms.

This allows you and your child to see how others behave in society. This can help you realise you are not alone in a situation or it could signpost something that you wouldn’t have noticed until many years later.

3.)    Develop speech and language within your child.

After events you attend (mums’ group, friend’s part etc), you and your child have topics to talk about. This not only widens their vocabulary but also helps them think through how to manage social situations for when they need to navigate these waters on their own one day.

The saying is all too true ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and so take that scary leap and broaden your support network. The benefits will be bigger than you could ever have imagined.

Message me if you need support or want more information to know how to do that.