The Benefits of New Parent Support Groups

Jul 12

And an Interview with Kylee Nelson

Being a new parent can be a lonely experience. It may feel like you're the only one who's ever experienced the challenges of sleepless nights, teething, endless feedings, and shocking diaper changes. But there is help available. Parenting Avenue’s parent support groups can provide you with the connection, camaraderie, and education you need to thrive as a parent.

Take It From Kylee

In my Instagram Live interview with Kylee Nelson, a group facilitator for Parenting Avenue, we discussed her experience leading new parent support groups. She shared how the groups provide a safe, supportive space for new parents to connect with each other, share their experiences, and learn.

Kylee also mentioned the benefits of having guest speakers in the groups, as they provided specialized information and support:

We could choose from a variety of experts, such as sleep consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, and pediatric occupational therapists. Each speaker gave us general information and then answered our specific questions. It was like getting a free consultation with a professional.
The guest speakers were tailored to the age of our babies. We didn't have a baby-led weaning speaker when our babies were three months old, but we did when they were six months old. Sleep consultants were always a popular choice, no matter the age of the babies.
The best part about the guest speakers is that they changed each time we met. This meant that we could keep learning new things and getting support from different experts. The group attendees also got to keep the conversation going with the same mom friends from week to week, which was great for building lasting friendships.

If you're a new parent, a local new parent support group could be your saving grace. They can be a valuable resource for you and your family. If we aren’t happy, well-adjusted parents, we can’t raise happy, well-adjusted children. Parent support groups offer guidance and friendship. They act as a safe space so you can return to your family refreshed and ready to rock it as a parent.

Benefits of New Parent Support Groups

Some of the benefits of joining a new parent support group include:

Connection

New parent support groups help you feel less alone. All those thoughts you’re afraid to share, the obstacles you’re not sure how to overcome, and the misadventures you’re embarrassed of and amused by…you can share them with a room full of people who get it. They’re going through the same things that you are, and it’s a relief to finally get to let your guard down.

Education

New parent support groups provide valuable parenting information. Parenting Avenue has skilled and experienced group facilitators and guest speakers. They want to help you through each stage of your journey. You'll learn everything from sleep training to pelvic floor therapy to child development.

Support

It’s right there in the name—new parent support groups. When you join a group, you’re creating a community, a village that provides you with emotional support. You'll be able to talk to other parents about the challenges and joys of parenting. Parenting Avenue is a welcoming group. There’s no judgment here. We’ve got you.

The Mayo Clinic also sings the praises of support groups. They point out benefits like reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as an improved ability to “cope with challenges.” However, our favorite is the ability of support groups to help people gain “a sense of empowerment, control, or hope.”

Becoming a new parent is frightening. It’s the first time we’re doing this thing! We have no idea what’s going on, and nothing seems to go according to plan. Support groups are not a new thing, but they are often underutilized. We implore all new parents to take this simple step and reap the benefits of the “empowerment” and “hope” you will gain.

Join Parenting Avenue Now

Our goal is always to support parents, setting them up for success. And we’ve been there! This is not easy. But if we do it together and support each other, we will make it and find joy along the way.

Invest in yourself and your family. Fill out our survey to find a Denver new parent support group today and find your village with Parenting Avenue! Contact us with any questions you may have. We got you!