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Last Sunday Melanie and Mindi shared their stories of how the Parent to Parent group has grown to love, share, care, and support one another on their parenting journey. Below is what they had to share with us. At the end there is an invitation to learn more about the group with no obligation.

Melanie:

I'm here to talk to you about the Parent to Parent Group that meets here at Broadway on two Saturdays a month during the school year. During our first meeting a year ago, I wrestled with many emotions and feelings as I finally named my fear of taking my youngest son, Christopher, to a psychiatrist. You see, I was scared of the label he would receive because of the stigma surrounding mental health in our society. That morning, I cried, I processed, and I accepted prayers from the other parents gathered. Two days after that first meeting, I made a call that I had been avoiding for months. Christopher has since been diagnosed with ADHD and William has been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and a little OCD. They may now carry these labels, but they are still the fun sweet boys they have always been, we just now know how to better help them during rough times. Throughout the past year, as a group, we have discussed books, listened to podcasts, and walked with each other through difficult moments. I have worked through many of my own feelings and have found so many successful ideas that have helped me become a better parent.

Mindi:

A year ago, when the group started, we struggled hard as parents.  I have a blended family and a lot of high-conflict situations come with that. In the beginning, we worked through a book that helped me work on those situations as I learned to heal myself. And then, collectively, we chose podcasts to discuss and we worked through those as well. And, together we have talked, cried, prayed, laughed, and grown. Parent to Parent has been a saving grace for myself and my family. I find the advice in my head as situations arise and for my family, it has been mostly effective.  I have a toddler. I have become a better parent, and I am still working on it.

So join us on Saturday, May 16th, as the Parent to Parent Group hosts a potluck breakfast at 8:30 in the lounge. Scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, sausage, juice, and coffee will be provided. We invite you to come and join in fellowship with a community of parents. Childcare will be available. Come help us dream about where this group will take us in the next year. I can't promise that we will solve every problem that you will face as a parent, but I can assure you that we will walk beside you on this journey of parenthood.