Special Interest Parenting Support Groups
Network With Like-Minded Parents With Similiar Interests & Needs
Nov 10, 2008
New parents often connect with each other through their children via playgroups, online, in their neighborhoods, and through mommy and me classes. Yet parents can enrich their own social and emotional connections by joining or starting a support group that addresses their own specific needs.
Decide Parenting Perspective
Determining your parenting perspective simply means deciding what area of your parenting life needs the most attention at this point in time. Your perspective will change according to your circumstances, special needs, interests, age, number of children, etc.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to join a group that focuses on my needs as a mother/father or one where my kids can meet other children, or both?
- Do I want my child with me during group events or do I want to spend my group time with the adults, or both?
- What are my interests and needs? Examples include: breastfeeding, mothers of multiples, holistic/natural parenting, attachment parenting, single parents, gay and lesbian parents, stay at home mom, part or full time working parent, divorced parent, religious affiliation, women or men of color, special needs child, physical or emotional issues such as post-partum depression, OCD, anxiety, or diabetes.
Research Existing Support Groups for Parents
Chances are if there's a need, there's a group in your area. Cafemom or Meetup provide an online search site where you can find other like-minded parents in your community.
A number of stay at home support organizations are available. While organizations such as Mothers of Multiples or La Leche focus in a particular area, Mothers & More has a broad appeal, attracting women moving in and out of the workforce at different times of their parenting lifecycle. They do however, also offer members online discussion groups across a number of niche topics, for example, writers, single moms, seasoned moms, etc.
Starting Your Own Special Interest Parent Support Group
Can't find a group that meets your needs? Start your own. Start small and expand your membership as your volunteer base increases.
- Research existing national or local groups. If a national or local group exists, contact the organization to follow their charter and connect with a mentor. Avoid re-inventing the wheel. Instead, creatively expand on a group or concept that’s already in place.
- Start small but secure a core group. Talk to other like-minded parents who share your interest. Try to get at least five or more to commit.
- Share responsibilities. As you grow organize committee chairpeople to organize social events, playgroups, marketing or public relations efforts, community service, etc. Share the load to build a strong sense of volunteerism and to avoid burn out.
- Secure a regular meeting place. If you plan to offer meetings with speakers, workshops, activities, etc., locate a meeting place that can accommodate your needs as well as support future growth. Your living room is perfect for small social gatherings if you’re comfortable with strangers in your home. Preferably however, secure a local community center, restaurant, library room, senior center community room, civic center, women’s auxiliary club, or social club etc. Get a firm commitment from the facility director to reserve the room one or more days each month.
- Create an effective marketing flyer. If you plan to market your group beyond word of mouth, create a simple, yet effective flyer with a catchy slogan. State who, what, where and when. Include tear off slips that include a contact name, phone number, website and email so interested parties can make contact.
- Free is key. If you plan to charge a membership, collect monies or conduct fundraising, be sure to research the legal ramifications. It may or may not be to your advantage to form a non-profit.
- Focus your message. During each meeting, state your name and the organization's mission. Invite attendees to introduce themselves if they're comfortable. Create icebreaker questions. Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and encourage creative input. In all written or verbal communication, clearly and politely state if you include children at certain events. For example, "Children of all ages welcome at playgroups. Adults only at meetings please, exceptions include breastfeeding mothers with non-crawlers."
- Market in high traffic areas. If you plan to expand, get permission to post flyers at high traffic parent places such as library bulletin boards, grocery stores, YMCA centers, mommy and me classes, health centers, schools, churches, etc.
- Reward volunteers. Always thank facility directors, members, volunteers, speakers, community event supporters etc., with a written note or small gift of appreciation for their service. Polite gestures of gratitude conveys professionalism and builds strong community relationships.
Every parenting group provides at least some positive social and emotional connection for adults and their children. A parenting group centered around a focused area of interest, however, provides a particularly rewarding opportunity for adults to network based on similar challenges, interests or parenting perspectives. If a national or local group doesn't exist that interests you, consider starting one. Enlist at least five volunteers to help keep the weekly time commitment to a minimum, and the enjoyment to a maximum.
Additional Resources:
What Qualifies As A Non-Profit Organization?
How To Be A Happy Stay At Home Parent
Depression and Mothers: Interview With Author Tracy Thompson
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