As parents, it’s easy to believe that the best way to help our children is by always putting their needs first. We give advice, provide guidance, and navigate difficult situations on their behalf. But what if I told you that the most impactful thing you can do for your child starts with you?
Too often, we overlook our own well-being in favor of supporting our children. We pour everything into them, believing that if we give enough, they’ll turn out alright. Yet, here’s the truth: the best way to support your child isn’t through constant action on their behalf—it’s by becoming the healthiest, most grounded version of yourself.
This journey of parenthood, especially when your child is facing struggles of their own, can feel isolating, and many parents find themselves navigating challenges without anyone to turn to. That’s where parent coaching and support systems come in. What if the answer to better parenting lies in a deeper, more meaningful form of support for yourself? What if the key to transforming not just your relationship with your child, but your entire family dynamic, lies in building a community that helps you grow and empowers you to thrive?
In this post, we’ll explore why you need a support system, what makes a grea
Why Parents Need Support Groups
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt that overwhelming weight—the one that tells you you’re on your own in this journey of parenting. I hear it often from the parents I work with: “I feel alone,” “No one gets it,” or “I can’t talk to anyone about this.” The burden of raising children, especially those facing unique challenges like ADHD, trauma, or mental health struggles, can make you feel isolated in a sea of expectations.
The problem is, we often mask this loneliness. Society tells us that we should have it all together, especially when it comes to parenting. There’s a myth that good parents don’t need help or that if they do, they’re somehow failing. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is that parents, like anyone else, need a network of support to stay balanced, focused, and grounded. We’ve all heard the adage, “You cannot pour from an empty cup,” and know that when we’re burnt out, frustrated, or feeling overwhelmed, it’s much harder to show up for our children and loved ones in a meaningful way.
Creating a support system is not about asking for sympathy—it’s about giving yourself permission to thrive as an individual. It’s about acknowledging that your well-being matters and that having others who truly understand your struggles can help you become a stronger, more resilient parent.
What Makes a Good Parent Support Group
You may have been part of a group before, but how do you know if it’s truly serving you? The right support group isn’t just about finding people who agree with you or people who can relate to your struggles—it’s about creating an environment that fosters growth, compassion, and mutual support.
Here are a few qualities to look for in a good parent support group:
- Empathy and Non-Judgment: A good support group must create space for parents to share their unique experiences without judgment. It’s not just about empathy—it’s about understanding. When you’re struggling with a child’s behavioral issues or mental health, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. A good group will help normalize these feelings and provide the comfort that you’re not alone in this journey. Members should be able to identify with one another’s struggles and offer advice based on real understanding, not superficial observations. If you’re in a group that doesn’t seem to offer this level of nuance, it’s time to find one that does—or create it yourself. A community that embraces attunement can help you build the specific tools and strategies that resonate with your family’s needs.
- Actionable Advice and Encouragement: While it’s important to have a space where you can vent, an effective support group should provide tangible tools and strategies. Parents should walk away from every session with at least one new insight or skill to implement in their daily lives. This could range from effective communication strategies to self-care techniques that help you recharge.
- Shared Experience: It’s critical that members of the group have shared experiences, whether it’s related to specific challenges like ADHD, trauma, or general parenting struggles. However, it’s also helpful if there’s a mix of parents from different backgrounds. These different perspectives can offer a wider range of solutions and ideas. One of the core issues with many support groups is the lack of attunement. When it comes to parenting, no two families face the same struggles. A child with ADHD will need a very different approach from one who’s dealing with trauma. Yet, many groups treat these challenges as if they’re all part of the same conversation. What’s essential is the ability to attune to the unique needs of each family. This means understanding that each family has its own culture, values, and dynamics. A group that can’t acknowledge these differences will inevitably offer generic solutions that don’t resonate.
- Accountability: A strong group doesn’t just talk about problems—it offers the kind of accountability that helps parents grow. For example, if someone shares that they’ve been struggling with setting boundaries, others can help them set small goals to work toward. This keeps the group moving forward and ensures that progress is made. Accountability is a term often thrown around in parenting circles, but it’s often misunderstood. Most parents associate accountability with their child’s behavior—ensuring they follow through on promises, complete tasks, or adhere to boundaries. But true accountability in a support network isn’t just about enforcing discipline on your child—it’s about holding yourself accountable to your growth. Mary Zaunbrecher, one of our Parent Trainers, highlights how essential it is for parents to hold themselves accountable for their self-care, personal growth, and commitment to new parenting techniques. Too often, groups focus entirely on the child’s progress, leaving the parent’s growth on the backburner. A healthy, balanced group will encourage self-reflection and growth in the parents themselves. Accountability means challenging yourself to grow beyond your current mindset, to push through discomfort, and to remain dedicated to learning new strategies—even if they’re hard to implement at first. Without this accountability for personal development, you’re merely managing behavior instead of fostering lasting change in yourself and your family.
- Mutual Respect and Trust: Every parent has a different approach to handling situations, and that’s perfectly okay. In a healthy group, you’ll find that all members respect one another’s choices, even when they don’t align with their own parenting styles. This builds trust and makes it easier for everyone to share openly.
How to Find a Parent Support Group
Finding the right people to support you as a parent isn’t always easy. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to put yourself out there. Here are some practical steps to help you build a tribe that works for you:
- Start With What You Need: Identify the specific support you’re seeking. Are you looking for advice on how to navigate a certain behavioral issue? Do you need emotional support from other parents who understand what it’s like to raise a child with a certain condition? Knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow your search.
- Look Beyond Traditional Sources: Support groups don’t always have to be formal. You might find community in unexpected places, like local clubs, social media groups, or even online courses. Sometimes, an informal chat with a like-minded parent can offer more insights than a structured group ever could.
- Tap Into Online Communities: While in-person groups offer the benefit of face-to-face interaction, online communities have their own perks. They’re flexible, accessible, and often filled with people from diverse backgrounds. The Parent Trainers community, for instance, allows parents to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other in a space that’s safe and non-judgmental.
- Join Both General and Niche Groups: A well-rounded support system often includes both broad and specific groups. General groups can provide general advice, while niche groups can offer specialized support based on your unique challenges. Don’t be afraid to join multiple communities to ensure you’re getting the well-rounded support you need.
The Benefits of a Support Group
There’s a point in many parents’ journeys where they realize they’ve outgrown their support group. While this might sound like a negative thing, it’s actually a sign of growth. As we learn, adapt, and try new techniques, we may find that the group we started with no longer meets our needs. That’s okay—it’s part of the process.
But here’s the thing: Just because you’ve outgrown a group doesn’t mean you stop needing support. Instead, think of it as evolving. This is where things get interesting. Beyond traditional support groups, you can create a dynamic, evolving community that helps you take your growth to the next level.
This can mean starting a new group with a specific focus, creating a mentorship system within an existing group, or even becoming a leader yourself. The goal is to build upon the foundation you’ve already set and continue your personal and parental evolution.
Creating a support system that continues to challenge and stretch you is a key part of becoming a stronger parent. As we grow, our needs evolve, and so should our support networks. This evolution doesn’t mean leaving behind what you’ve learned—it means you’re now ready to help others, challenge your own thinking, and continue learning.
How Your Wellness Transforms Your Family
Your well-being doesn’t just affect you—it has a direct impact on your family, too. As a parent, you are the foundation of your household. If you’re burnt out, emotionally drained, or constantly stressed, your child will pick up on that energy, and it will affect their emotional health as well.
By building a strong, supportive network, you’re not only investing in yourself but also in your child’s success. A well-balanced, healthy parent is far better equipped to handle difficult situations and provide emotional stability for their children. When you feel supported, you’re better able to offer guidance, discipline, and love.
It’s a ripple effect. By taking care of yourself, you create an environment of peace, understanding, and stability for your entire family. And that’s a gift that can’t be understated.
The Power of Community in Parenting With Support Groups
Parenting is not a solo journey. While there may be moments when it feels like you’re the only one walking this path, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. There is an entire community of parents who understand your struggles and can help guide you on your journey.
The key is finding the right group of people—those who can offer empathy, strategies, accountability, and a safe space to be yourself. When you build that community, you empower yourself and your family to thrive.
So, stop waiting. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out, overwhelmed, or struggling. Start building your support system today. Your child’s wellness begins with your own.
If you’re ready to create a community where you can thrive, join us at Parent Trainers. Whether you’re seeking advice, connection, or resources, we’re here to support you. Don’t walk this journey alone—let us help you become the parent you’re meant to be.
