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Support for Mom
Groups Provide Encouragement and Friendship
By Tracy B. McGinnis
What started out in 1995 as a small community playgroup in Millbrook, Ala., has now grown into OnlinePlaygroup.com. Created by Carren Joye, author of A Stay-at-Home Mom's Complete Guide to Playgroups (Writers Club Press, 2000), this group was formed to help at-home parents find, start and manage a playgroup anywhere in the United States.
"Countless national parenting organizations and moms clubs are listed on our site, including everything from existing and national groups that parents can join and information for those looking to start their own group," says Joye. "Some parents simply want to start a playgroup specific to their needs, such as home schoolers, at-home dads, adopted children, premature babies, older moms and others. These parents can come to OnlinePlaygroup.com and find the information they need."
"All of my children made their first friends in playgroup," says Joye. "They learn valuable skills like how to share, follow directions and stay focused on a task." Joye also notes that playgroups are viable options for those who cannot afford preschools or "Mom's day out" programs.
More and more parents are seeking out, joining and starting their own support groups. Chances are there's a group that's right for you or guidelines available on how you can start your own.
Reinhardt also suggests getting information from YMCAs, schools, hospitals, childbirth teachers and online communities. "Mothers are spreading the word about what a valuable experience it is," she says.
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