It takes a village to help a mom thrive

By Courtney Johnson

We often hear, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But what we don’t talk about enough is that it also takes a village to help a mom thrive— emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Let’s be honest: today’s mom is doing it all. She’s managing the house, showing up in her career, being emotionally present for her kids, navigating relationships, and somehow trying to squeeze in self-care between laundry loads and school pick-ups. I know this because I lived it—I’m living it. I’ve been the mom running on fumes, pouring into everyone else while silently battling emotional exhaustion and mental overload. And here’s the truth I’ve learned:

You can’t thrive in isolation.

The silent pain points of motherhood

Before I could name it, I felt it—the loneliness, the pressure to “get it all right,” the guilt of asking for help and the mental drain of holding everything together. For many moms, it’s not just physical tiredness—it’s emotional burnout. It’s the weight of being the default parent. It’s feeling unseen, even in a house full of people. And it’s carrying the unspoken expectation that we’re supposed to be strong all the time.

But strength isn’t always about carrying more. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to lean into your village.

Why your village matters

Your village is your emotional safety net. It’s the people who check in, who see beyond the smile, and who hold space for your growth. Your village reminds you that you are not alone—and that thriving isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

When a mom has a strong village, her mental wellness improves, her confidence grows and her emotional load becomes lighter. Because the truth is, we were never meant to do this alone.

Here’s how a village can help a mom truly thrive:

1. Emotional support saves sanity

Every mom needs someone she can be real with—no filter. Whether it’s a late-night voice note, a group text full of encouragement or a quick cry on

someone’s shoulder, this kind of support keeps us from internalizing our struggles. Having villagers who ask, “How are you, really?” makes all the difference.

2. Mental wellness needs community care

Therapy is powerful. Journaling is healing. But so is having someone bring dinner when you’ve had a rough week—or an auntie-friend who grabs the kids so you can take a nap. Community care isn’t charity; it’s soul preservation. We’re better mothers when we’re mentally balanced, and we’re mentally balanced when we feel seen, supported, and surrounded by love.

3. Thriving Requires Boundaries and Safe Spaces

Your village should help you honor your boundaries, not cross them. The right people in your life will protect your peace, not provoke your pressure. They’ll encourage you to create space for your own dreams, healing and moments to simply be—not just do.

Building Your Village

Don’t wait until you’re breaking to build your village. Start now by intentionally identifying the people who uplift you, understand you and respect your growth. Villagers can be mentors, girlfriends, sisters, elders, teachers or other moms walking the same path. The point isn’t quantity—it’s quality of connection.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “I don’t have a village yet,” let this be your invitation to start forming one. Join a mom group, reach out to one new person or even create your own circle of thriving women. That’s exactly why I created Royally Thriving Moms & Families—because we all deserve a space to rise together.

Mama, you weren’t created to just survive motherhood—you were meant to thrive in it. Thriving requires support, softness and people who remind you that you matter beyond your roles. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t shrink when you need support. And don’t isolate yourself when the village is waiting for you.

Yes, it takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a village to help a mom flourish. And it takes you being willing to receive the same love you so often give. Your healing is holy. Your joy is worth protecting. And your village? It’s out there. Go build it. You’re worth that—and so much more.

Courtney Johnson is the author and owner of RICHLLC-Royally Impacting Clients Holistically Coaching Services. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from South Carolina State University and a master's degree in

clinical mental health counseling from South University. In her leisure time, Courtney enjoys painting, traveling and spending time with her daughters.