Parenting can be hard work, and sometimes nobody really understands that work like other parents. That's why joining a parenting support group can help you feel better about being a parent, learn new and more effective parenting techniques and gain support from other people experiencing the same things. Here are a few ways to find a parenting support group, either online or in person.
Online Parent Support Groups
Many parenting support groups can be found online in messageboards and forums. These online parenting support groups are often associated with a book or magazine about parenting, and can be either very general or very specific. To find a group that you connect with, try searching for your favorite parenting magazine or book to see if they have an online community. This way you are more likely to find like-minded parents who follow a similar parenting philosophy.
If you're having trouble finding a group, try the forums at Mothering.com. Mothering focuses mainly on Attachment Parenting and Natural Family Living, but it also has an extensive section on finding other parents who live in your area, which can be great if what you really need is some face time with other parents.
Local Parent Support Groups
Another way to find a local parenting support group is to check your provincial or state government website for family support services. For parents living in British Columbia, Canada, the Parent Support Services of B.C. hosts Parent Support Circles in many communities across B.C. A program administrator matches parents to a suitable support group in their area, and can also help parents pay for transportation or child care when needed so that anyone who needs to attend a support group meeting will be able to do so. These support circles run in many different languages and have specific groups for aboriginal parents, parents of teens and grandparents raising children.
Special Interest Parent Support Groups
Many, many support groups exist both online and locally for specific parenting concerns, such as parenting a child with Autism or a disability. Special interest support groups can really help to create a supportive community of people who understand the unusual demands of specific parenting situations, such as caring for a child with a severe illness, gay or lesbian parenting, single parenting or parenting a high-needs or spirited child. The best way to find a special interest parent support group is to search online, or ask your local doctor or community worker to recommend groups related to a specific interest that affects your family.
Finding support for yourself as a parent is an important part of self-care so that you can continue to have the energy to nurture your family. It might be hard to find the time or energy to attend a support group at first, but having a community of like-minded people to support you as a parent can be an invaluable source of energy and self-confidence. Support groups can be found online, in your local community centre or on a recommendation from a doctor or other health or social work professional.
Michelle Carchrae - Michelle Carchrae has worked as a Volunteer Phone Counselor at Childline and as a Training Developer and Call Centre Trainer, but the job ...
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