They may be too busy to cultivate friendships among their peers. There are also forces at work in the community to make it difficult for strangers to gather socially and form friendships. This isolation contributes significantly to parent stress. Research shows, for example, that isolation from family, friends, and community is a significant risk factor for child abuse. Dealing with the pressures of being a parent is much more difficult when no one is available to listen and provide encouragement.
Every parent needs to feel supported by another parent who cares.
ParentShare is a new university- based program that brings parents together in a partnership of support. The program is administered primarily through county extension offices in collaboration with other community agencies and organizations. It was designed for mothers and fathers of all ethnic backgrounds living in both urban and rural areas. Mothers and fathers who have raised at least one child to adulthood serve as mentors for parents and other caretakers who need support. They are recruited from the community of the parents targeted by the program.