Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I try a support group?
   
2. Will I fit in?
   
3. Who's in charge?
   
4. What does it cost?
   
5. How often do groups meet?
   
6. What kinds of worries do PHP members have?
   
7. What kinds of strengths do members of PHP have?
   
8. Is this like a parenting class?
   
9. Will people tell others what I say in group?
   
10. Can I bring my children?
    
11. How long do I have to stay?

1. Why should I try a support group?
Do you yearn to connect with other parents who share your doubts and fears and hopes? A support group is a safe place where you'll find comfort, reassurance, respect and understanding.

2. Will I fit in?
You are very welcome in a Parents Helping Parents group if you are a parent, or other adult in a parenting role, who feels isolated, overwhelmed, or afraid of your anger towards your children. We 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!

3. Who's in charge?
All the parents in the group are in charge of how the group runs. We are the experts - at least about our own families. A trained group facilitator and a parent leader help our meetings run smoothly.

4. What does it cost?
All groups are free.

5. How often do groups meet?
Groups meet every week for one and one-half to two hours.

6. What kinds of worries do PHP members have?
Discipline problems; babies who won't go to sleep; constant yelling at home; an ADHD child; marital problems; no time for ourselves; children who won't listen; disagreement with a spouse about household rules; kids who are always talking back; unrealistic expectations; D.S.S. involvement; teens who are skipping school; our own history as an abused or neglected child; a belief in the myth of the "perfect parent;" and no one to talk to who could possibly understand....just for a start.

7. What kinds of strengths do members of PHP have?
Love for our children; hope for the future; courage; a sense of humor; backbone; vulnerability; amazing stories to share; skills to teach; life experiences of all kinds; determination; faith; a yearning to understand and to be understood; and a willingness to take risks....just for a start.

8. Is this like a parenting class?
Group meetings focus on the topics and situations that are important to the group's members and can change from week to week. Meetings don't follow a curriculum. Many people who are looking for parenting classes find that PHP meets their needs better than a class, and sometimes members take a parenting skills class at the same time they are participating in a PHP group.

9. Will people tell others what I say in the group?
No. Groups are based on confidentiality and trust. What you say in the group will stay in the group.

10. Can I bring my children?
Some of our groups offer childcare at the same time that the parents' group meets. Ask about this when you call the PHP state office.

11. How long do I have to stay?
That's entirely up to you. Some parents just come once. It's a good idea to plan to come to at least three or four meetings to give the group a fair chance before you decide whether it's for you or not. Some of us stay for many months - or even years. Sometimes we stay, leave, and come back again when a new situation arises or we just want to reconnect.