Parent Support groups

[andeefig]

Do any of you attend parent support groups? My husband and I are starting one for our local hospital and would love any input you may have on what is successful in other areas of the country. Thanks!

[kjksmom]

I just started attending a support group here on the Cape a few months ago: it was started by two women 8 or 10 years ago when their kids were diagnosed. Since I am new, I don't have any info on setting up such a group, and I don't know if these women read this forum, but if you send me your contact info, I can pass it on to them (we meet next week) and hopefully put you in touch.

Cheers.
Camille

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

We attended a local group a few times when Maddie was newly dx'd. It was nice to meet other parents but after a few meetings I began to feel that the group was made up of two types. New parents, like ourselves, who were desperate for info and reassurance that our child would be ok and that we could do this, and a few outspoken adult Type 1's ( though it was billed as a parents group) who brought a lot of outdated and adult oriented info to the discussion. After a while we just stopped going.

So, I would just be really clear about who the group is for and direct discussion to issues of particular concern to parents of children.

Good luck! It's a very good thing to do, I'm sure your D community will thank you.

[Ellen]

I've been attending diabetes support groups for 19 years - since my son was diagnosed. I've met wonderful people over the years.

Sometimes the interest wil wane. We found having a guest speaker or rep from a company (pump, meter...) at the beginning of a meeting was a good draw and people liked getting samples, new meters, learning about the latest technology etc. The rep can spend 30-60 minutes presenting the product and then leave, and THEN we have our "support" meeting.

It's also great if the hospital will provide activities for the children in a separate room so parents can talk.

Good luck.

[momtojess]

We have a "coffee, tea, and diabetes" meeting at Starbucks one morning a month. I havent been able to make it to any since I am working.. but I think I am gonna be able to go next week.

Sorry not much help to what you needed to know

[Tigerlilly's mom]

We have only been able to attend one meeting due to Tylers sports schedule, but one of the moms in our area (south shore of Mass) put together a support group that meets at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. I believe that she sent flyers to all the local school nurses and asked them to distribute the flyer to any families with children with diabetes.

Hope this helps. -

BTW - where in Mass are you?

[andeefig]

thanks for the great input. We're in Worcester, MA and goto UMass(BTW...LOVE them!!!!) I'm working w/ the social worker there and she suggested newly dxd families from the last 6 mos. I know how important it is to keep the support positive. Havn't we all heard of the parents who, for some crazy reason, feel like it's a competition :mad: to see who child has had the highest high and the lowest low! That drives me nuts!

Hey, if one family benefits from it, it'll all be worth it!
(Camille, my email is andeefig@hotmail.com if your group leaders have any info to share. Thank you so much!)

[kel4han]

Here in Phoenix we have a "family support group" started by a few moms. We communicate thru a yahoo group. We have grown ALOT since started a year ago. We get together every month or so, maybe the park, or a pizza place. The kids all play and adults get to chat.Its more of a fun group than a structured "support" group I guess. I suggest you start your own to feel the relief of knowing you have other families struggling just like you!

[Mama2H]

We also steer away from the "structured" style group and just plan monthly fun activities. Things like the water park, we used to meet at the local indoor play area before that closed, movie theatre, bowling, stone park, basically anywhere that we can find that is fairly cheap and will allow all ages of kids to have fun. I like the fact that we do not have "speakers" at the meetings, makes us feel more like a group of friends than strangers thrown together by fate :o

[andeefig]

I love the ideas of going places. We definitely want to keep it fun. We want to get a feel from the group as to what they would like to see happen at our get together...nothing too structured. Thanks guys!

[Daniel's Mom 1993]

We have a "coffee, tea, and diabetes" meeting at Starbucks one morning a month. I havent been able to make it to any since I am working.. but I think I am gonna be able to go next week.

Sorry not much help to what you needed to know

Tammy - where is this group - I think I remember you are in TN (Murfreesboro?)

[momtojess]

Tammy - where is this group - I think I remember you are in TN (Murfreesboro?)

Its a JDRF group.. It is the 1st thrus of each month at starbucks in M'boro, by stones River Mall.. There is info about it on the Middle TN website on JDRF.. I have a flyer in the car. Rochelle is the one in charge of it, PM me if you want me info.