While researching the connections between postpartum mood disorders and partner/familial support, I realized cohousing provides an amazing opportunity to closely tie children into a community. Traditionally the mindset was that "it takes a village to raise a child" but a lot of people don't have that opportunity. With the astronomical cost of childcare in the United States (as stated in the Wealth Discrimination in Parenthood zine, 26% of a typical US family's net income goes towards childcare with $14,900 annually being the norm in Pittsburgh alone), geographical separation from family, and the rise of single family households, cohousing is a viable option for those that want to find their own modern day village.

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Cohousing isn't for everyone but a lot of adults thrive in this kind of social environment. A lot of adults are experiencing social isolation in this modern day and age - 40% report feeling alone, 27% feeling not understood, and 43% feeling like their relationships are not meaningful. Loneliness has been alleged to have the same impact on our life expectancy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with a risk factor that rivals excessive drinking or obesity. In addition, a lack of social contact can hasten cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, depression and suicide.

Living in a cohousing community doesn't just mean automatic friendships. While the experiences of each community are unique, most emphasize the need to negotiate with different personality types, share resources, and contribute to the community. At the same time, you really get to know your neighbors with community events and dinners where everyone comes together. Most communities have an environmental focus with gardens tended to by the community that supply fresh, organic produce for the community dinners.  Depending on the community, there are often formal or informal carpools, children pickups, and childcare options that help cut down costs and parental responsibilities. Parents can often times find sympathetic ears to vent worries with, get feedback on parenting techniques, and grab a class of wine to unwind with. Perceived emotional and mental support are some of the most important factors of receiving support as a parent.

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Growing up in cohousing communities come with a variety of benefits to the children as well. Not only are they living in close proximity to their friends, being in the same community also means their parents don't need to worry when the children are playing since there are no strangers around. From a young age, children are exposed to a variety of people from various generations, cultures, sexualities, and belief systems that open their eyes to diversity that often doesn't exist within one family structures. Children also connect with a variety of adults with different skills, interests, and talents that can help guide them in life and self discovery.