Virtual Parent Support Groups

Always Free & Confidential

Real people. Real connections. Real compassion.

Mother and child looking at computer together while seated. Child is leaning on top of mother with her head on her shoulder. They look happy and content.

In our Support Groups, you decide what to talk about in a compassionate and supportive space.

The purpose of our support groups is to create safe spaces where group members share experiences about parenting no matter where they are on the parenting journey. Our groups are free, confidential, and open to anyone who identifies as a caregiver. They are run by volunteer facilitators who are trained in our Parents Helping Parents Mutual Aid Support Group Model.

Our groups are for parents looking for support. We provide a safe space for parents; therefore, we do not allow observers in our groups.

Parent Support Group Topics

Parenting in Recovery

Parents helping parents stay clean and sober.

Register to Join: Mondays @ 1 PM EST

Fathers Support Group

Managing the expectations of fatherhood.

Register to Join: Mondays @ 12 PM EST

Meetup Monday

Parents helping parents manage parenting.

Register to Join: Mondays @ 6 PM EST

Parenting Teens with Special Needs

Navigating the challenges of parenting teens with more significant needs.

Register to Join: Wednesdays @ 12 PM EST

Single Parents

Connection for parents managing parenting alone.

Register to Join: Wednesdays @ 7 PM EST

Parenting Preschoolers

Parents helping parents of 3-6 year olds.

Register to Join: Thursdays @ 11 AM EST

Parenting Adult Children

Managing parent and adult child relationships.

Register to Join: Wednesdays @ 7 PM EST

Parenting as a BIPOC

Supporting parents through shared experiences.

Register to Join: Sundays @ 9 PM EST

Parenting Neurodiverse Children

Support for parenting kids of any age who have autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and more.

Register to Join: Thursdays @ 12 PM EST

Mothers Support Group

Managing the expectations of motherhood.

Register to Join: Tuesdays @ 11 AM EST

What Parents Are Saying...

  • "I have had my fair share of professional interventions but PHP is the most effective support system I have found. There's nothing more powerful than a group where you can share your experiences in an atmosphere of trust."

    Anonymous

  • "The best thing is you can speak openly, and nothing you say goes anywhere. I never knew that if you had a problem you could talk about it and get help and understanding instead of criticism. Also you get answers for a lot of unanswered questions. I always leave group feeling better"

    Anonymous

  • "I kept trying to convince myself that I could work things out on my own but eventually I couldn't lie to myself any more. 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 without being judged."

    Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The purpose of our support groups is to create safe spaces where group members share experiences about parenting no matter where they are on the parenting journey and learn to cope with things they cannot change.

  • Parents Helping Parents has provided parent support groups since 1972. Forty years of outcome data show that parents who attend our groups learn new parenting skills; report significant stress reduction; and are better able to control their emotions.

  • Our groups are free, confidential, and open to anyone who identifies as a caregiver. They are run by trained volunteer facilitators.

    People may join the group at any time and attend as many or as few groups as they want. We find that our groups often develop a core membership who attend consistently over a period of time - sometimes years - while others come and go.

    We often have people from a variety of backgrounds in each group. While they come from different places, they all have caregiving in common.

  • Volunteer facilitators run the group. They manage technology, monitor the time, and make sure everyone is able to participate. They may check in with group members between groups.

    Generally, it is the group members who decide what the group will discuss that day.

  • A parenting class is run by a facilitator trained in a specific parenting curriculum.

    Our support groups use a trauma-informed, mutual aid group model that we have developed over 40 years. Group members help one another through a combination of trust, validation, support, and collective wisdom. Each group adopts its own rules which always include confidentiality and establishing a judgment-free forum.

  • No.

    Members can participate in the way they feel most comfortable. Some people get the most out of groups by talking a lot and engaging with others, other people get what they need from listening and observing. Our facilitators are trained to understand the different types of group participation and help all members get the space they need during group time. If you have questions or concerns about group participation, please talk with your group facilitator.

  • All groups are free.

  • Yes.

  • Our groups are ongoing and welcome new members at any time.

  • After completing 8 weeks of the group we will provide an attendance certificate for their participation in our Parent Support Groups. We will write letters confirming attendance upon request.

Volunteer as a Support Group Facilitator

Our trained volunteers facilitate weekly virtual support groups via Zoom.
All facilitators must pass a CORI check.