Bellyful, New Zealand initiative providing free meals for families with newborn babies and young children who are struggling with illness

Would not it be great when you are seriously ill or after you just had a newborn baby to receive free meals for your family?

Oh yes, it will be. Being ill can take the toll on sorting out day to day chores for the household. Having a new baby is a big transition involving a lot of hard work.

In those moments, all you need is the support from your direct community.

I came across Bellyful, an initiative in New Zealand that provides practical support for tired and stressed families faced with a major life event (a newborn or serious illness). They currently support 18 communities across New Zealand and have more than 450 volunteers.

I heard that there are similar initiatives in the UK. Some church takes the initiative to support parents when in need. If you have come across similar initiative, please share the words and if you want to start your own, please do. Families need each other.

The child, the parent and the artist

Many children do not get the concept that their home is their primary place of work. They have the opportunity to make it grandiose through their art, their craftiness, the full expression of their boredom.

The three boys in my house complain.

A: Why can't I play on the computer?

M: Baba bobo bibi, Can I have an ice-cream?

I: Why don't you have a TV? 

Marle: Outside Boys! A, can you please paint this pallet? M, can you please fill those pots with stones? I, can you please fill those pot with soil and plants?

Here it is, a beautiful flower pots holder. 

Many parents forget that their children are a tool to be sharpened. The home is the workshop/stage for transformation. Be the artist, direct them!

Get crafting!

It takes a village to raise a child

Can you live in a community?

Martin lives in a community. He has four children, a wife. He bought a piece of land and build a house. Apart from his family, he lives with 10 other individuals. He is ecstatic by the experience. He is happy for his children who have the chance to be surrounded by individuals who have different knowledge and expertise on a wide-range of subjects.

It takes a village to raise a child

His children are growing in confidence by being inquisitive, asking questions and learning valuable social skills in communicating with the 'elders'

Such testimony inspired me to think more thoroughly about where, how and with whom I should raise my own. Any advices on home-schooling and community-living?