Amber was my neighbor and worked full-time at a local cleaners. Amber was only 19 when she found out she was going to have a baby. Every week when I stopped by the store I asked her how she was feeling and how the baby was doing. She showed off her ultrasound and talked about her doctor exams and meeting with someone from Maternal and Support Services. Close to her due date, I walked over to her home to find out that not only had she had her baby, but she and her new family were moving into their own apartment. I asked her if she needed anything. She said she had most everthing she needed, but the baby was having a hard time settling down to sleep and she wasn’t sure what to do. I suggested that a swing might help her newborn sleep. I ran home, found my son’s swing and put together a little “care” package with a parenting video, some baby books, a blanket, ideas for infant activities, and a card with my phone number on it. I told her, “Call me anytime, even after you move if you need someone to talk to.”

Mentoring Helps Relieve Parent Stress

Parent mentoring happens when non-professional or informal networks support parents as they care for and nurture their child.

I stress the word non-professional here. In this world of high tech, we often forget that there is a tremendous need for what I call “over-the-fence (or phone)” contacts between parents and a mentor. The best “over-the-fence” advice I ever got after my first child was born was “Don’t feel guilty if you follow your instincts.”

Many new parents are turning to the Internet for parenting advice. There are a lot of wonderful resources there (heck! you've found this article online!), including websites, chats, and bulletin boards. But every parent knows that technology does not replace the calming voice or caring touch of a mentor.

How Can Parents Find Mentoring for Their Baby Activities?

  • Free parent education courses—Contact your local community education or the county cooperative extension office.
  • Doula, midwife or breastfeeding networks—Ask your doctor or nurse or La Leche League listed in your local phone book.
  • Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)—Look in your local phone book or ask around your religious congregation.
  • Playgroups—Check out the resources for playgroups at your local library, church, or synagogue.
  • Libraries or bookstores—Look for lap story hours for parents and young children.
  • Local YWCA and YMCA—Ask about special hours for parents and young children.
  • Religious organizations—Check to see if they offer parent support groups.
  • Parent network—Organize one through your child care or preschool.
  • Grandparent or Senior Center networks—Ask about intergenerational programs.

Parent Mentors Help With Baby, Teaching and Supporting

  • Have a “welcome wagon” for new moms and babies in your neighborhood or religious congregation.
  • Make a meal or order extra take out and invite new parents over for dinner.
  • Make a phone call periodically to see how new parents and babies are doing.
  • Offer to pick up grocery items when you run to the store.
  • Invite new parents to join your playgroup.
  • Swap babysitting so you can get some respite.

Businesses and Organizations Can Offer Activities for Infants, Parents

  • Set up a resource room or library for working-parent support.
  • Organize lunchtime seminars on parenting topics.
  • Hold family-friendly events like open houses and picnics.
  • Offer special discounts to parents and children (similar to Senior discounts).
  • Set up a play area for child customers.

Parenting is all about developing nurturing bonds between parents and children so kids can grow up to become happy and healthy adults. But parents need nurturing too! Neighbor to neighbor, parent to parent we can let new moms and dads know that they are part of a community that cares about them and their kids. 


 

Michele Strasz is a professional child advocate. She has two sons.