Pillars Offers a Village to Parents

By Dianne Patota
Parents, you weren’t meant to do this parenting thing solo! Building a "village" of fellow parents with children the same age is a game-changer for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids today.

From figuring out when (or if) to introduce smartphones, to setting house rules and managing screen time, having a close-knit group who is in the same boat is a lifesaver. Whether it’s hashing out video game limits, bedtime routines, or discipline tips, this collective wisdom makes it easier to handle tough decisions—and it’s comforting to know you're not doing it all on your own.

As your kids grow and face bigger hurdles—think peer pressure, school stress, and those tricky moral dilemmas—your village becomes even more valuable. By working together, you’re not just navigating these growing pains with confidence, but creating a strong, supportive environment where both parents and kids can thrive.

Here at Pinecrest Academy, grade-level parent groups called “Pillars” are made possible by our Family Life department and some amazing volunteers! Pillars helps build that village that families need. As a bonus, we invite school priests and consecrated women into the mix for spiritual wisdom and companionship. Their guidance helps keep our choices grounded in values that matter. Together, this village offers a source of strength and a whole lot of support, making life smoother for parents and kids alike!

Parents, to find your meeting date, log on to the Paladin Portal. Click on "Groups," then click on “Pillars,” and finally, click on "Topics" for your grade level. Your facilitator will be reaching out to you with more information.

Lean on your Pillars village, and let’s work together on this journey of parenting!

Dianne Patota is the parent of a current Pinecrest Academy student and three alumni. Over the past 18 years, she has volunteered in various roles at Pinecrest. As an English major, she enjoys writing in her spare time.