Community Resources For Parents

They say that it takes a village to raise an idiot, but surely a village can also produce a well-raised child? You don’t have to go through parenting alone. There are many ways neighborhoods, communities, states, and yes, even the entire parent population of the world, can help you navigate your parenting role.


Community Support Groups

One of the best ways communities can help parents is through a support group. A support group is an organization of people who share similar experiences, interests, and/or backgrounds. They can meet regularly for structured/ unstructured activities like forums or focus groups, or they can function as an informal network of people you can call if you need help.


What kinds of support groups are out there?

There’s a support group for almost every parenting need. There are broad-spectrum parenting support groups, which talk about raising children in general. But there are also parenting support groups specific to certain types of parents. For example, there’s a support group for parents of diabetics, parents of children with cerebral palsy, parents with depression issues, parents with disabilities, solo parents, dads, moms, etc.

Some parents are primarily information; others are therapeutic in nature. There are also support groups that promote or support a cause or advocacy.

What can support groups do for me?

The great thing about a support group is that you’re in the company who knows first hand what you’re going through; peers’ presence makes you feel like you’re not alone. Members of support groups can also exchange information on what parenting practices work for them, and which don’t. In many cases, support groups develop into genuine friendships, and may eventually take on activities not related to parenting.

Where can I find a support group?

There are many institutions that have support groups; a quick search online can provide you with a list of support groups in your area. Churches typically have a fellowship group for parents; schools have parent associations. Interest groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Positive Parenting Network, and League of Parents with Disabilities may also host support groups. The same can be said of professional associations and government regulatory commissions like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Autism Society. Your local social welfare services may even have one.

These days you don’t even have to leave your home to find a support group. There are also many online support groups where quality information and peer encouragement can be found. Websites, blogs, forums, mailing lists and social networking sites are homes to various support groups on the net. Just make sure you pick support systems that actively police itself against the proliferation of inappropriate or inaccurate information. One that is under the management of a professional or a respected member of the community is recommended.

But what if you can’t find a support group for your specific needs?

No need to worry, you can always start one! You can post flyers on your neighborhood, or start your own site. You don’t need many to begin a support group. You may start with 2 and just recruit members as you go along!