It takes a village to raise a child....
No question: Parents need support and lots of it.We all have heard how critical it is to have support when it comes to parenting. The toughest job in the world and we find ourselves some times feeling isolated. For many parents these days, family and friends just aren’t available, perhaps because of location, schedule issues or some other reasons. Luckily, there’s a growing list of groups and activities where parents can connect with one another!
The key is to be clear on your personal values and what your priorities are. I have enjoyed the friendship and support from my playgroup mommies on the 8 years we have been together. Although we don't agree on every single choice we make, we share a general similarity on our approaches as well as our priorities. That consensus has allowed us to trust each other with our kids because we know that we all want similar things for our families.
So, if you are feeling like you are all alone with the struggles that you face raising your children, reach out for a local group of moms who share similar interests and values: MOPS groups, library story time, Gymboree classes, regular park meetings. They are all good ways to start to connect and find like-minded souls that can enrich your journey through the wacky world of motherhood!
It takes a village... to make a parent!
Do you belong to a group of other parents? How did you find your group? What criteria did you use to determine if they were a good match for you and your family
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Posts
My support group is the best thing that ever happened to me as a parent. I have been with the same group for over 10 years. At www.awildride.net we offer some suggestions for starting a support group. Click on Support on the left side of the home page. Coincidentally I wrote about my first time at the group on the blog. I can not stress strongly enough the importance of a support. Thanks for bringing this topic front and center. BTW, my first support group was at MOPS.
ReplyDeleteMy first support group was PEPS, but as my children have grown older, I have found a new support group in our co-operative preschools. I could not survive without some of the friends that I've made there...at a minimum, I am surrounded by parents who place a high value in being involved in their child's academic and social upbringing. Knowing that I'm never alone in anything I'm going through is invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI found a local playgroup through meetup.com and made some great friends through it 2 yrs ago soon after my son was born. We still all belong to the group and get together weekly. It's been a blessing having having several good girlfriends with kids the same age.
ReplyDeleteSome great feedback here!! Sarah, thanks for the reminder about the Co-op as an opportunity to connect with other parents. I know I cherished my experience at our Co-op and continue to be in touch with the amazing moms I met there!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thank you for your kind words. I will definitely check your website, which by the way, has the name that very much describes the way MANY of us feel about this parenting journey: a wild ride!!
Stephanie, thank you sooo much for sharing about meetup.com. I think that is a great resource for local groups and gives moms the opportunity to find something that works for them!
Thank you so much for you comments.. Keep them coming!