I think it’s quite literally supposed the be the village. We lived in smaller groups for most of history and would have known all of our neighbours. They’d be our friends and family. You don’t need to get babysitters because the kids just run around outside all day and whatever adult is around and free would supervise them.

We kind of have this going on where I live. I’m on a dead-end street and the kids all play outside together and there’s usually at least one adult outside keeping an eye on them. I’m way too shy unfortunately but the other parents have made friends with each other and they take turns taking their kids out for activities and having sleepovers.