Circle of Parents designed to strengthen families

Being a parent is tough. But, it's a journey you aren't alone in, and a new group that meets each week at the Clara Allen Family Center in Forest City serves as a reminder of just that.

Circle of Parents Forest City Chapter meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m. The group, which is affiliated with the national program, offers a supportive environment for parents to discuss the successes and challenges of raising children.

"A parent can attend at any time, and the only requirement is that they have a child younger than five," said Vanessa Parton, the group's facilitator.

Circle of Parents, Parton continued, offers those in a parenting role the opportunity to reduce isolation, discuss issues in their lives and develop and strengthen their parenting skills. The group is free to attend, and information exchanged in it remains confidential.

"We have a facilitator and a parent leaders, but the participants are in charge of leading the discussion and bringing up topics they find relevant and helpful," Parton said.

During a recent meeting, Child Development Specialist Nancy Bayley spoke on topics those in the group had chosen previously, including tips for potty training and weaning.

"Being a parent is the hardest job you will ever do," Bayley said. She read an anecdote to those in attendance, which described how a mother felt when being described as just a mom.

"You are not 'just a mom,'" she explained. "What you do is very, very important."

Positive discussions are held each week, Parton said, but there are also special meetings where attendees make crafts. Cooking classes are being planned for the spring.

Childcare is provided at no cost for preschool age children. Breakfast is always provided, and transportation can be arranged if needed, Parton said. Meetings are not held when school is not in session.

Those who attend also get incentives - for each meeting a participant attends, they receive a mom buck. Once they collect four, they receive a $10 gift card to Walmart.

"We hope that through this group parents will make social connections and gain confidence as a parent," Parton said. "All these things will reduce stress for moms and their families."

For more information on Circle of Parents, visit Circle of Parents on Facebook or call 828-247-0366 ext. 3.