Lots of parents are hesitant to join a parenting group. Who will be there? What do you talk about? Will you be judged? Do you have to share private things? What will people think?

As a parent you can't help but feel vulnerable. When parents join a Circle of Parents Support Group in Vermont, one of the first things we talk about is keeping all information confidential. As Circle Support Group members, we value our relationships with other people, especially our children, families and partners (if we have them). Family, however you define it, is essential to our well being.

Relationships are complicated, and we might be having a hard time with some of our family members. We learn things from others about family relationships, healing from our own abuse, and learning how to move forward in safe and positive ways with our own children.

When parents join a Circle of Parents Support Group, talk is about parenting and about relationships. We talk about different challenges in life. Jobs, food insecurity, child care problems, lack of housing stability, not having much income and feeling alone, especially now during the pandemic. It can be helpful to know that others share many of the same struggles as we do and how they are managing.

Circles are now meeting “virtually” with professional facilitators at various times throughout the week. All parents and anyone in a parenting role are welcome. You can email us at pcavt@pcavt.org or call the Parent's Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN (800-244-5373).

Come join a Circle of Parents Support Group. We are ready to help during this extra tough time!

Thanks for all you do to keep our communities healthy!

Sincerely,

Steven Ness and PCAVT’s Family Support Team