The Importance of Support for Parents of Young Children

There are many of us who feel like we were born to be parents.  Even then, it seems safe to say that at the end of an especially challenging week, the support of people with similar parenting styles and ideals can be helpful.  I thought that as the academic year for school-going children is coming to an end this might be a good time to mention several local on-line networks for parents of young children.  There are many more, but for today, I'll just post a few.

Mindful Village (formerly Families for Conscious Living, originally Friendly Forest)  http://www.fclct.org/index.php   

Mindful Village is a Connecticut-wide, attachment parenting organization offering a lively online forum for topics from pre-pregnancy through adolescent parenting, with a large focus on pregnancy, birthing, and early parenting.  They also have a large listing of activities in many areas of the state, including cloth diaper swaps, baby wearing workshops, playgroups and homeschooling "hang outs" for the kids to socialize. They offer a free trial period for families new to the group.

KidCo (a Meet-Up.com group)  http://www.meetup.com/Kidsandcompany/

KidCo was started by a mom  about five years ago in Meriden as a group for area stay at home parents to get together with their children.  At present, there are over thirty parents involved in this group, and they state that both working and stay at home moms, and moms-to-be are all invited to join.  Their page also states that they offer many activities that dads are welcome to participate in as well.  The annual dues are listed to be $12 a year.

Mothers and More of Greater New Haven   http://www.mothersandmorect.com/

This is an organization with chapters in various areas around the country.  The Greater New Haven chapter includes Meriden, and their mission statement is as follows:  "Mothers & More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy.

We address mothers’ needs as individuals and members of society, and promote the value of all the work mothers do."

Membership applications can be filled out online and begin at $45 for a year.

Holistic Moms Network 

http://home.homewebs.com/hmnmiddlesexctyct/

http://newhavenct.holisticmoms.org/

http://newhavenct.holisticmoms.org/

This group has three chapters roughly equidistant from our fair city, and is open to all caregivers, including future parents, grandparents and partners.  Annual membership to this group starts at $45 for an individual and $60 for a family.  Group discussions often include guest speakers on specific topics around holistic parenting.

I will explore some more groups next time.  At present, my own kids seem to be requesting my support (in other words, there is screaming, must go!)  Have a great weekend!