Our Community is Growing!
Raising a child who is struggling is incredibly isolating. You may not even realize that you have been isolated but if you are having trouble relating to and connecting with other parents it may be because your parenting experience is so different than theirs. You might even feel judged by other parents because they have false ideas about mental health.
That is why it is so important to find a community of like minded parents who get it - a community like the Parent Alliance. Parents who understand what it's like to face the challenges you may be facing and still get up everyday to do it again. We understand what that feels like and we work tirelessly to make sure you get the support that you need to best help your child.
That is why in 2023 we are adding 3 new ways for you to be supported, and connect with your very own parenting community. We are only 20 days into the new year so this is only the beginning!
1. A Brand New Podcast
Are you tired of getting unsolicited advice from family and friends about your "unruly" child? Are you dreading looking down at your phone and getting ANOTHER call from school? Are you tirelessly searching the internet for ways to help get your teen who is struggling with depression to get out of bed? We've been there, we get it, and we have lived to tell the tales (infused with some much needed mom jokes).
It never fails that whenever the Parent Alliance team gets together we have such great conversations about these parenting challenges and so much more. Then we were pitched a podcast to share these stories - because I guess that's what all the kids are doing these days.
With our Gen-Z producer, Brewer, leading the way and corralling a bunch of moms with busy schedules, we have officially launched! We are SO excited to announce the, This is Not What I was Expecting podcast. Because for us, parenting is nothing is what we expected, we can't run to the bookstore and grab a cute book to give us guidance by age and stage and it feels like nobody is talking about how hard it can be - until now. We hope you join us as we try to figure out this parenting thing together!
Come back next month where we'll sit down with Brewer to hear a little bit about the process of getting This is Not What I was Expecting up and running as well as what we can except to see from the podcast in the future!
2. Even more support across the state!
We are excited to announce that we now offer in person Family Support in Washington County, PA! Through a partnership with Washington County Children and Youth Service Agency we're now able to provide 4 Family Support Partners to meet with parents/primary caregiver in person or virtually. Parents in Washington County can reach out to us using any of the options on our one on one support page. Parents don't have to be involved with CYS in order to get help. They simply need to have a child with an identified or suspected social, emotional, behavioral or mental health challenge. Not sure if we can help you? Give us a call and we'll make sure you're connected to someone who can.
Don't worry, we're still offering virtual one on one services to families anywhere in the state, that hasn't changed! Washington County's in person family support simply highlights their commitment to the mental well being and safety of children in their community.
If you're a provider and want to bring family support partners to your area, reach out. We'd love to talk to you!
3. Brand New Support Group Topics
Last year parents not only loved getting to connect with and support other parents with similar challenges - they wanted more of it! That is why this year we are expanding the times, and topics of our support groups. We will still be having our Friday afternoon and Monday night support groups that welcome any and all parents raising a child who is struggling; regardless of age or qualifying conditions of their child. In addition to those two support groups we will be adding:
Parents of Adult Children Support Group Every Thursday 7:00-8:00 PM starting February 9th. We have learned on our journey raising children what we needed the most and wish that we had along the way was a support system of other parents that understood what raising children like ours is like. We are here to be that for you. Come share space with other parents that have emerging adult children like yours and be in a safe and non-judgmental place where you can get support, we wish we had!
Foster Parent and Kinship Support Group Every Tuesday afternoon 12:00-1:00 PM starting January 31st Are you a foster parent, kinship caregiver, grandparents raising your grandchildren or an adoptive family? Would you like to connect with others that have shared a similar lived experience? We would love to connect with you at our support group geared to families like ours. We know that your plate is already full to the brim but we hope that you are able to take some time to attend one of our support groups this year. Raising a child who is struggling is very isolating and support from other parents who get it can be truly transformative. You don't need to do this alone, we are here for you.