PARENTS HELPING PARENTS
Philosophy:
“I never knew that if you had a problem you could talk about it and get help and understanding instead of criticism. PHP taught me that." - Parent Support Group Member
Parents Helping Parents is a non-profit institution focused on preventing child abuse before it ever occurs by offering free parenting help and support. In the mid-1990’s, child abuse prevention strategies began to focus on the primary child abuse prevention, or interventions that prevent abuse before it occurs. At the same time, research began looking at the diverse groups of factors that are associated with child abuse and neglect. This approach, called the ecologic model, takes into account the interaction of several factors as possible causes of child abuse. Factors on the individual level, including poor coping skills and parenting techniques, are viewed as part of a larger system of community factors, which include high levels of violence, poverty, and lack of access to services and support for parents.
QUESTIONS/ANSWERS:
Why should I try a support group for parents?
The groups follow a parent leadership model, meaning that the parents in the group are in charge of how the group runs. Parents are the experts - at least about their own families. Therefore, parents discuss the parenting issues that are most important to them. A trained group facilitator and a parent leader help meetings run smoothly.
"We would cry together, laugh together, be angry together and admit mistakes together without any fear of criticism."
A. You are welcome in a Parents Helping Parents group if you are a parent, or other adult in a parenting role, who wishes to improve family relationships. Our parents come from many different backgrounds and for many different reasons. Most new members feel a bit shy or anxious at first. It's very reassuring to discover you are not the only one who feels that way!
"I felt totally inadequate as a mother...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 about their worst secrets...and get help and understanding instead of criticism.
How do I find out the exact location of a group near me?
A. Exact group locations are not listed on this website due to our anonymity policy . To find out the exact location of a group near you, you can fill out our online support group locator form or call toll-free 1-800-632-8188. If you call after hours, you may leave a message and someone will return your call.
http://www.parentshelpingparents.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=87
