We moved in to our house in the midst of lockdowns in 2020. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to meet our neighbours and explore our community right away.
With parks and playgrounds opening up we had a chance encounter with our neighbours, the Lamberts. Their two kids became friends with our son Max who was wearing a full Spider-Man costume at the time. We discovered our boys were the same age and so we exchanged numbers and a friendship was quickly formed. Krystal and her family moved to the area much like us because it was affordable. It also gave our kids the opportunity to play in bigger backyards, have access to green space, explore the creek and learn from the diverse community around us.
Since we first met, we now have two kids each and have celebrated milestones together, shared the ups and downs of parenting through a pandemic and we have tried to be safe places not only for each other’s children but for one another. Our boys attended the same kinder and now Max attends the same school as Krystal’s kids. They have supported all the big transitions, help out with pick-ups and drop offs, share bike rides to and from school and host after school play dates. We try to support each other’s self-care as well recognising that often mums are last on the priority list. I have really appreciated a neighbour like Krystal who will watch over my kids and share this motherhood journey with.
