support group..

[Ericsmomma]

Morning all,

I was just wondering if anyone has ever started a
support group for parents? We don't have anything here in my area...they used to have a group called
H.U.G.S..(help us grow strong), that met once every couple of months. It was for anyone who had a child with a disability. They mostly had speakers about IEP's,
estate planning, etc. Very good info, but not really a
"parent group". I guess I'm looking for a more "relaxed"
group...people going thru similar experierences that may have some good advice. Also, I would love to establish a play group for the kids.
Any ideas on getting started? What does your group do? Dolly

[meghans_mom]

Dolly - the group at MM's school was fairly informal...we'd meet the hour before Mommy & Me and then head out to there. We did it at lunch so we'd eat & feed the kids and then go onto playtime.
Ours was headed by a social worker who would throw out questions or topics if noone was especially interested in talking. We'd bring in articles or poems and things to read and discuss - of course all of us who attended had kids w/ DS, not various disabilities so the readings/poems/etc mostly pertained to DS only. Or when certain programs were on we'd discuss those if people had seen them.
I think it's a good idea to have articles and thing to pass out in case there's not a big topic of interest a particular week, in case you need to get things rolling.
good luck & have fun! laurie

[Chris]

It takes a few dedicated people to start a parent support group. We have been trying for the past few years and just can't seem to get off the ground. We were meeting once a month for a playgroup and having a moms night out once a month but that has sort of fizzled since I have gone back to work.

I think other parents are our best resource. I have learned so much from other moms. I really miss having that regular contact with other moms of kids with Ds.

The NDSS or NDSC have a packet with suggestions on starting a support group.

Chris