Need someone to talk to? Call the Parent Stress Line: 1.800.632.8188
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Virtual Parent Support Groups
What Parents Are Saying...
"I have had my fair share of professional interventions but PHP is the most effective support system I have found. There's nothing more powerful than a group where you can share your experiences in an atmosphere of trust."
"The best thing is you can speak openly, and nothing you say goes anywhere. I never knew that if you had a problem you could talk about it and get help and understanding instead of criticism. Also you get answers for a lot of unanswered questions. I always leave group feeling better"
"I kept trying to convince myself that I could work things out on my own but eventually I couldn't lie to myself any more. It took a lot of courage to go to that first meeting. But when I got there, it was amazing to discover a place where parents could talk without being judged."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purpose of a Parents Helping Parents Support Group?
The purpose of our support groups is to create safe spaces where group members share experiences about parenting no matter where they are on the parenting journey and learn to cope with things they cannot change.
Why do people join a Parents Helping Parents Support Group?
When caregivers sign up for a PHP support group, they tell us that they are looking for support, parenting ideas, community, and help for overwhelming feelings.
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Who will be in the group?
Our groups are free, confidential, and open to anyone who identifies as a caregiver. They are run by volunteer facilitators who are trained in our Parents Helping Parents Mutual Aid Support Group Model.
People may join the group at any time and attend as many or as few groups as they want. We find that our groups often develop a core membership of people who attend consistently over a period of time - sometimes years - while others come and go.
We often have people from a variety of backgrounds in each group. While they come from different places, they all have caregiving in common.
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Who runs the group?
Volunteer facilitators trained in the Parents Helping Parents Mutual Aid Support Group Model make sure the Zoom link works, monitor the time, and make sure everyone is able to participate. They may check in with group members between groups. This person is not an expert in parenting and will not be teaching any parenting skills.
Generally, it is the group members who decide what the group will discuss that day.
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​What is the difference between your group and a Parenting Class?
At Parents Helping Parents, we use a trauma-informed, mutual aid group model that we have developed over 40 years. Group members help one another through a combination of trust, validation, support, and collective wisdom. Each group adopts its own rules which always include confidentiality and establishing a judgment-free forum.
A parenting class is run by a facilitator trained in a specific parenting curriculum.
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Do I have to share in the group?
No.
Members can participate in the way they feel most comfortable. Some people get the most out of groups by talking a lot and engaging with others, other people get what they need from listening and observing. Our facilitators are trained to understand the different types of group participation and help all members get the space they need during group time. If you have questions or concerns about group participation, please talk with your group facilitator.
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​What is the cost of attending a group?
All groups are free.
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Life with kids is unpredictable, I may not be able to make every meeting. Can I still join a group?
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Yes.
Some meetings do not allow members to join late. Please check with your group facilitator to understand the specific guidelines of your group.
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When can I go to a group? Is there a specific start date?
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Our groups are ongoing and welcome new members at any time.
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​Do you provide proof of attendance?
After completing 8 weeks of the group we will provide anyone with an attendance certificate for their participation in our Parent Support Groups.
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