Community for Parents in Preschool Years

By JJ Bland
Director of Chapel Hill Preschool

Over Christmas break, we were blessed to have all three of our children under one roof. My heart was full. On Christmas morning, they woke up leisurely, gathered on the couch in their matching onesie pajamas—a Christmas tradition I still insist on—and opened presents with as much excitement as when they were preschoolers. They still giggle, poke, and push each other, knowing exactly which hot buttons to press. When they were small, I couldn’t imagine these moments with older children. I couldn’t see past the season we were in—deep in the weeds of raising toddlers.

One of the greatest gifts of parenting has been the lifelong friends I made during those early years. These friends have celebrated with me and cried with me. They’re the ones who dropped off food when we were all sick, offered to watch the kids so my husband and I could have a night out, and gave honest advice when I needed it. They have walked with me through every season so far. Many of these friends are people I met when my children attended Chapel Hill Preschool. While waiting in the hallways for our kids, planning playdates, and hosting family gatherings, we found that our time together wasn’t just for the kids—it was for us as parents, too. God calls us into community, and when we are deep in the long days of raising little humans, we need others to encourage and support us.

God gave us a beautiful example of this through Elizabeth and Mary, cousins who were both expecting babies just months apart. When the angel came to Mary, he gave her comfort by sharing that she wasn’t alone: Elizabeth was also having a child (Luke 1:36). Elizabeth, an older and undoubtedly wiser woman, was called to be an encourager—just what Mary, the mother of our Savior, needed!

I like to imagine that Elizabeth and Mary spent more time together than the Bible details for us. Perhaps they called on each other for support throughout those early years. Maybe they visited often so the boys could play, while they sat together and compared notes on raising these chosen children, encouraging each other through childhood milestones.

As the Preschool Director, I’m often reminded of how precious and fleeting these preschool years are. I also remember how lonely they can feel. At Chapel Hill Preschool, we promote community not only for the children in our care but also for their parents. Our Preschool Foyer serves as a natural gathering place for many of our preschool families. Morning drop-off is often a bustling scene of new friends connecting, children introducing parents in hopes of playdates, and seasoned parents offering support to others.

The joy and laughter that fill our foyer with both parents and children are the favorite part of my day. If you are in this preschool season of life, I invite you to come and check out our preschool. We are planning for our next school year, and registration opens on January 27 for new families. To learn more about Chapel Hill Preschool, visit our website or email me.