Village Kits

Why Village Kits exists

"It takes a village" is easy to say. For a single mother by choice, the village doesn't come with the baby: you have to build it.

Village Kits was started by a woman who is considering becoming a single mother by choice herself. Looking for a village, she found apps for babysitting, apps for co-living and many scattered blog posts, but nothing that helped mothers build their own local circle, step by step, starting before the baby arrives.

So here it is: free kits, a list of the best existing resources, and a directory of circles. It's free and open, and it's meant to be copied.

Our principles

  1. Children's safety comes first. Trust is built slowly, in person, with the checklist.
  2. Mothers own their circles. No platform in between, no data collected.
  3. Small on purpose. 5–15 families, so everyone knows each other.
  4. Give what you can, ask for what you need. Even before you're a mother.

Questions

Is it really free?

Yes. The kits are free to use, copy, print, translate and adapt. There's no sign-up and no account.

Do I need to be a mother already?

No. Women who are considering, trying or pregnant are very welcome. You can join advice nights, and babysit for others to bank hours for after your birth.

Is this only for single mothers by choice?

It's built with single mothers by choice in mind, because their path often starts years before the baby. Each circle decides who it welcomes; many also include mothers who are single after a separation.

Does Village Kits vet members?

No. We're a toolkit and a directory, not a vetting service. Each circle follows the safety and trust checklist, and every mother decides for herself who she trusts with her child.

Where does my circle run?

Wherever you like: WhatsApp, Signal, email, or a notice board at your daycare. Your circle doesn't depend on this site.

How is this different from apps like MomSwaap or Mommune Match?

Those apps match you with mothers on their platform. Village Kits gives you the tools to build your own circle with people you meet in person, step by step, from advice nights to co-living.

Can I translate the kits?

Please do, and send us your translation so other mothers can use it too.