In more Christian circles, it’s not unusual to find people with similar passions. Being excited about neighboring surely isn’t a new thing—especially for stay at home moms. But ever since I started exercising my neighboring muscles my friend Sarah started bulking hers up too. Since we just so happen to also be neighbors, living just a few blocks away, we get to do life, raise our kids, and practice neighboring together.
A literal dream. And she’d be the first to tell you she prayed for it. And God made it happen.
Sarah has two boys who are 3 and 2 and is expecting a baby girl this August. And last summer, after COVID hit, Sarah, like many of us, found herself and her boys aching for the community and neighborhood interaction we were used to experiencing pre-pandemic. Parks slowly were opening up, but libraries were closed, and apart from family who agreed to see each other, there wasn’t anywhere for kids to interact with other kids or a place moms could get a break.
So Sarah decided to start what she named a Neighborhood Tot Time.
A time for moms (caregivers) and their kids (ages 5 and under) to come together with other neighborhood moms and kids and interact, play, sing, read, and snack. All the best things that make community, amirite?!
It took place entirely outdoors so moms were able to coexist with other moms while social distancing and the kids got to play with neighbors in a setting that resembled a library story time. Her tot time continued well through October and started up again this May.
It’s a simple and easy outreach to get going and has made such a difference in our lives and the lives of other families in our neighborhood. We can’t recommend starting one enough.
I’ve compiled her suggestions for putting a tot time together in a printable and encourage you to download it here or sign up below. It includes a suggested schedule and materials!
And for more detailed instructions, check out our YouTube video.
We love this weekly tradition and hope you and your neighbors can experience it too!