Thank you for your interest in becoming a support parent.
PART 1
How do you benefit from this experience?
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Giving back to a family in need
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Rewards of easing pain, confusion and loneliness
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Become aware of the knowledge you have gained
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Sharing the light at the end of the tunnel
How do those you support benefit from this experience?
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Parent to parent support increases parent’s acceptance of their situation
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Parent to parent support increases parent’s sense of being able to cope
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Over 80% of parents find Parent to Parent support to be helpful
Research indicates that parent run organizations (like PHP) providing structured training and follow-up are successful in preparing experienced parents as volunteer mentors (Singer et al, 1999). This research shows that perceived sameness of lived experience is a fundamental reason why parents trust other parents (Ainbinder et al, 1998).
Please watch this 3 minute video.
Following along the training is a key in your success as a support parent.
Remembering that you are providing support to someone that may be new to parenting a child with special needs, focusing on their story is the most important role you will play in the beginning. Sometimes, we form friendships with those we support early on but this is the time for you to practice listening and reflecting. The following pages in this online support training will prepare you to be an effective listener and support parent. We thank you for your interest and the time invested in preparing to be an effective support parent.