Our director, Linnaea Avenell, once gave a talk to a large gathering of new moms about the trials and tribulations facing stay at home parents in the (then) 90's.  She may have exaggerated when she spoke of the tumble weeds billowing down the deserted streets of our yuppy and wannabe-yuppy neighborhoods. But the feeling of desolation is all too real. Just as children need other children, parents need other parents. It's not just the shared wisdom that we are in need of. It's also the social stimulation and support of people who won't look at you like a moron for admitting you're ready to pull your hair out over allegedly trivial matters -- such as "getting him to eat green beans" or selecting a brand of diapers that doesn't create embarrassing "blow outs". It's not that these things are all we care about. But darn it, as with every other profession, we need "shop talk" and the company of our professional peers. Often, we just need the chance to blow off steam in the company of those who know -- those who will laugh with us, not just AT us! Below you will find a list of suggestions for connecting with your peers, both in your local community and over the Internet. If you have resources or suggestions to add to the list, please send us some mail.     Tips For Finding Support   Join a playgroup: Playgroups are a great way to meet other parents, and just as importantly, it's a great way for your kids to garner play & socialization experience. Plus playgroups are a very economical alternative to enrolling your young child in a lot of classes. (Often a consideration if one parent "stays home".)  Check our playgroup section  or check your local parenting news magazine for listings. Check the bulletin board or flyer stand at your local libraries and community centers for notices and advertisements.   Join a local parent support group Most hospitals these days can direct you to "new parent" support groups. For some in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay area, check our section below. Local community colleges sometimes offer classes for parents that may lead you to a good support group. Check to see if the the instructor is a licensed counselor or therapist. Such persons usually either sponsor a support group themselves or can refer you to one.   Start your own playgroup  Smart Mom's Baby-sitting Co-op Startup Kit The purpose of a Baby-sitting Co-op is to help mothers-of-preschoolers have time off so moms can better care for themselves, their families, and each other.   This website is designed to help you set up your own co-op in your area.   All you need to start is 3 friends!   Attend a class  The parents in my Toddler & Me classes have a great time chatting each other up. In the course of chatting about the shared challenges of parenting, housing crunches, and other aspects of family life and/or career, parents find their common bonds and interests and often end up staying on after class to chat some more (after I've chased them outside). Playmates are often arranged when the children hit it off as well. Grab a schedule for your local community center and see what classes they offer for you and your child. Visit our Things To Do page for some in the Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.  Another good place to look for classes is in your local family activities guide. In our area its called "Bay Area Parent". Check parenthoodweb.com to see if they publish an edition in your local area.  The library is another good place to check for publications and/or bulletin board listings.   Join a "parent co-op" preschool. These are very popular in our area, especially with parents who have already had the playgroup experience (or even a Toddler & Me type class). With a co-op preschool, parents are assigned one day a week (or less, depending on the school) to come and assist in the classroom. Some advantages of a co-op preschool are: Observe and learn about your child's development and developmental needs. Learn first hand how other children are similar or different than your own child -- in temperament and development. Make the transition to greater independence a gentle, gradual experience. (Co-ops are generally more patient than "drop offs" about attachment and separation issues.) Meet and get to know other parents. Get helpful tips and information from the teacher and other parents. Provide valuable public service through supporting the education and development of young children. Spark an interest in becoming a preschool teacher -- I did!   Try an online message board forum or chat board... Check our listings!                       On-Line Forums & Chat...       Parent Soup -- Chat Sessions Check their chat schedule and "how to" info. and then join in -- talk to other parents about the issues that interest you. Includes support for at home moms.   Cafe Mom This is a little like MY Space for moms.  You can have your own blog or web page to post about your parenting experience (or hobby).  You can read what other moms have to say.   And you can join discussion groups about specific topics such as potty training, autism, or being a military wife.  Great way to connect with moms with similar challenges and interests.   Mamasource   Mamasource is a wonderful resource that delivers parent education, emotional support from other moms, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded moms in your area.  A Mamasource Daily Digest arrives in your box each morning, featuring current tips and questions from other moms.  Ask your questions and share your own tips. Forum available to registered members only.  Visit  www.mamasource.com to ask about joining.   Mom's Life A very nice atmosphere coupled with a broad array of specialized message boards covering every imaginable topic. A great place to vent, find tips, and connect with other moms with similar experience. Some specialized message areas you can participate in include: Military moms  Moms with special needs kids  Single moms    Step moms  Moms in their 30s   etc.     Parent's Place This site hosts both "casual" (i.e. any time, any topic) chat and scheduled chat sessions on such topics as: One year olds Military Families Raising bi-racial children Pregnancy loss Gay & Lesbian families Large families You will also want to surf this site for an array of other resources and information, including a highly informative, personalized pregnancy calendar -- it's free, it's online, and you can print it out!       Other Online Resources:   MOPS The Mothers of Preschoolers International website. MOPS aims to nurture and support moms from all walks of life -- working moms, teen moms, stay-at-home, etc. Sensible down to earth advice in their website and publications. Local support group chapters in the U.S. and abroad. MOPS is a non-denominational Christian organization, meeting in local churches.   STAY AT HOME PARENTS   Related articles and web links. From About.com         Local Support Groups & Resources:   New Babies Parents of Multiples Play Groups Special Needs click a category for more details Note:  If you have a page listing parent support groups in other areas, please drop us a line -- we would like to link to you.           Web Earth's Kids     Back to Healthy Parenting & Caregiving