"It takes a village." One for the mums and parents out there.

Everyone knows the saying, “It takes a village." I never really understood it until I was lucky enough to have my two beautiful babies. I didn’t really grow up seeing that. My mother was a single mother to 5 kids; she struggled, and that was that. We had people come and go, but no consistency ever. My older sister really took on a motherly role and even still to this day plays it, but when she had her own kids, for the first time in our lives she actually let me be there for her, and now she is my partner in the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

For years now during difficult times we have always said “80 - 20", and for the last 7 years of our lives it's meant when she can only give 20%, I give the other 80%, and when my cup is nearly empty, she shows up to fill the gap. Together, we keep each other standing tall. Even if she lives over 500 km away from me, we never let each other go without the support we need. 

I always think about how modern motherhood can feel so isolating. We are pack animals by design, meant to lean on each other. Somewhere along the way, we began to believe we had to do it all alone, but that was never the way it was meant to be. I know; I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without my sister walking beside me. She reminds me daily that raising babies is a team effort and that asking for help isn’t weakness: it’s wisdom.

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. And I am forever thankful that mine has never been. 

I know this week's Thought Leadership isn’t a long one, but it’s something that’s been on my mind. I just got back from a trip to Moree to support my sister, and it really reminded me how important it is to show up for the Mums around us.

If you know a mum who’s struggling or maybe looks like they are holding it all together, maybe they are juggling the most important role of all on top of their professional career, however that might look for them – check in. Help out a little. Or even just pause and take a moment to reflect on the life you’re living today and the chance more often than not that it is probably thanks to someone who once showed up for you too.

Authored by Maddie Rose for Impact Policy