I read often about our children having a lack of friends, and parents venting, needing support etc.. So, I wanted to share something I did.
In September, I started spreading the word that I wanted to form a support group, a local one. One for parents(it is mostly Moms though) to share support, vents, ideas, friendship. Where our kids can have playdates with other members children, not feeling the judgement other adults often give. I said once I had 5 interested, I would form a group.
I posted a free ad in the local newspaper, and began spreading the word on a local Mom's message board in my city. Well, it took a little while to get the ball rolling, but once it did, it just keeps growing ! My little group of 5 is now 29!
What I did, along with 2 othe Moms, formed a support group on a major Networking site. We invite members to join when they are interested. We do this to keep out soliciters and trolls. It has been wonderful! We post messages daily, and each group member can read and respond. We recently had a Mom's night out where we got together to meet and have dinner. We are trying to have a playdate for our kids, but it has been rained out twice due to our area's recent flooding and tornadoes. It will happen though!
This has been a godsend for many of us, so I'm hoping it some of you could start your own local group.
Let me know if I can help any way!
cali123439606.9792013889I wish I had known about that group when we were still in Indiana. It would have been great to be a part of!!Cali-
Where do you live? Just wondering because I'm from Indiana, live in Japan right now, and that sounds like the type of weather they are having back home. I know this is completely unrelated but I was just wondering.
That is great that you were able to start such a group. It is so hard for us as parents at times and even harder for our children that at times you can feel so alone. GOOD FOR YOU!!
You got it! I'm a Hoosier :)
Hi, this is a letter I wrote to the Editor of our local weekly paper and it will be in this weeks edition...I know of one mother coming for sure since I told her about it but I haven't really spread the word. I will wait and see what kind of response the first meeting gets.
I am writing to invite parents throughout the area to an organizational meeting for the parents of children with disabilities. My son was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD a couple of years ago. We have tried different approaches to treatment and are at a crossroads. We have a 504 plan in place and the school staff is wonderful. My biggest concern at this time is his lack of social skills. Children his age do not understand that his maturity level is three years behind them. He is a happy loving child who wants to touch and hug everyone. That doesn’t always go over well with other kids. When I see him on the playground alone, it hurts. I used to be one of those people who thought kids with ADD just needed discipline. I am now here to say that the two other children we have at home have no issues and are well disciplined. ADD/ADHD is real and I had no right to judge. If you have a child with any type of disability, whether it may be OCD, Dyslexia, Autism, Physical Disabilities, Learning, or one of the many others, you are invited to this meeting. Since we are such a small population there may not be anyone else in the group who knows about your child’s specific issue but we can listen and offer support. The goal of the group is to meet with people who understand what you are feeling, and to share information. We can set up play dates so that the kids can get to know other kids who understand what it feels like to be different. The first meeting will take place on Monday June 16, 6:30pm at the St.Agatha Town Office. The location of the meeting was chosen to be central for people from Allagash to Van Buren. The location of future meetings will be changed based on participation. No children at this first meeting please. For more information e-mail, helpsjvkids@yahoo.com. I have asked the Times to keep my name anonymous only to protect my son.
Cali I am happy your group is working out!