By My Side neighborhood parenting group

I am working part time as the Social Worker (don't really like that term, I consider myself more of an advocate) for the Frankford Group Ministry's Neighborhood Parenting Program.

It was a strange turn of events that brought me there. I'm one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason, so bare with me. First and foremost, I wish to welcome the folks from Frankford to our site. I am pleased to offer info on both programs!

Many moons ago, these two programs were one. In 1995 they split into two seperate locations and under two different organizations. Since then, both have had their triumphs and their struggles. Funding always mandating what can or cannot be done sometimes gets frustrating.

Although those of us who have been around in these programs over the years, know how important a resource they are for families, the quest to make a case to funders is sometimes difficult. They want to see proof of results. That is totally understandable! If I'm going to give money to something, I want to know that it is benefitting those it serves.

Coming up with hard numbers to prove that a person may be a better parent for having participated in our program is tough. How can we prove that maybe we helped someone learn coping tools that meant child abuse didn't occurr? Yes, we can do some surveys on child development (and do from time to time) but they never really tell the whole story. They don't show the friendships that are made sometimes lasting for years, they don't really show that a child who has attended playgroups has an easier time in school down the road, they don't measure self-esteem and so on. They do measure some attitudes about disiplinary practices, knowledge of milestones in child development, etc. But the way we really can show how this works, is by your telling your story! I implore you to go to either our guest book or our forums and share some of your thoughts!!

We need to get the word out that what these Parenting Programs do besides providing invaluable adult/child playtime and activities is build stronger communities by building stronger families. Every neighborhood should have one!

I believe it should be a parent's right to know that there is someplace to go with your child where you feel welcomed and supported. A place where you can get information about how your child grows, some tips on how to handle different stages, talk with other adults going through the same thing, build relationships and give your child a good start. The importance of learning to socialize in a positive way has been under-rated. We know that early good socialization skills lay a solid foundation for success in life in every way and the lack of them breeds all sorts of difficulties in getting along in this world. The violence on our streets can be greatly dimished when people know how to get along with others! It's really that basic if you think about it.

It is my hope that this re-connection of these two programs will enable us to have a stronger voice in calling for every Neighborhood to have a program such as ours. Money invested in this simple approach to supporting those who care for our young is a good use of dollars! It nmakes a difference!!

I may be a little prejudiced here but I believe if the folks really understood what Neighborhood Parenting Programs do, they'd be lining up to fund us to the level we need to really fly!