Mother and father get ‘on the same page’
A Belgrade mom came to the new Belgrade Parent Place in October with questions about her now 3 year old daughter. Mom also has a 13 year old daughter and a new baby. Her 3 year old was displaying some very aggressive behaviors, and Mom was concerned about how to address this.
Together with Parent Place staff, mom and her husband problem-solved some consequences for these behaviors and gained a better understanding of why their daughter might be acting this way. They were very proactive in establishing a plan and were very focused on working together and being consistent in their parenting.
Mom continues to check in regularly with Parent Place staff, attends playgroups with her two younger daughters, and uses our resource library regularly. She has stated that she and her husband feel more “on the same page” and “relaxed yet focused” than they ever have in their years of parenting.
She says, “The Parent Place has become the most important parenting resource that I have. It is just so good to know that there is always a place that you can go and really be listened to. They don’t act like they know all the answers, and they don’t make you feel stupid for asking questions. It is a respectful and helpful give and take of information every time I turn to them with an issue. They have helped me immensely as I am navigating my daughter’s early adolescence. At the same time, I have a 2 year old. Being able to go to the same place and the same people for the very different issues we are facing with our kids is so much easier and more successful than trying to do it on our own. This is an amazing community resource and shows how important this community thinks kids and families are.” —Mother of 3 daughters, Belgrade, MT
Belgrade, MT mom finds much-needed resources
A mom of a 10 month old, new to the Belgrade area, called the Parent Place to find out what was offered here. She shared with the staff member that she, her husband, and little girl had just moved to the area from Minnesota. She spoke highly of the state funded program in Minnesota, the Early Childhood Learning Centers and how wonderful they had been for her as a new mom. Having recently moved to Belgrade, she was eager to find a similar program and she found the number to the Parent Place.
Since that phone call, she and her daughter regularly attend the weekly Belgrade playgroups. She has begun to develop friendships with the other moms and most recently at the playgroup spoke about not having left her little girl with anyone else but family when they were in Minnesota. She continued to say that now they are here, they do not have anyone they would leave her daughter with. Another mom, also a Belgrade transplant, spoke of the same experience. They each agreed to help the other out and watch the other’s child if they ever should need that help. Since making that initial call she has repeatedly expressed how grateful she is to have found a place to come with her daughter to meet other moms, as well as to gain support as she raises her little girl in this new town so far from family.
Participant Testimonials
On Fatherhood
“I think it is so cool that the Parent Place respects us as dads enough to have our own time and activity. Most other groups are mostly women and that can feel awkward if you are the only man. Here, we are able to relax, meet other dads, and focus on our kids. The staff has helped to answer so many questions for me.” —Dad of 2
“My dad works a lot and he’s not usually around. Tonight he wants to be with me” —Son with his father at Dynamite Dad’s in the Museum of the Rockies.
“We love the time Dynamite Dads gives us together.” —Father, Dynamite Dads, September 2008
“Pizza was great, we love to cook and include the kids so this was a great time. Thank you very much. We look forward to the next adventure with Dynamite Dad and appreciate all you do for the families in our community.” —Father, Dynamite Dads, Cooking, March 2009
“Wonderful program for all of us.” —Father, Dynamite Dads, May, 2009
On single parenting
“The Parent Place has been a tremendous resource. It has been a place where I’ve been able to hear others’ experiences and gain knowledge. My son and I have always felt welcome. It is a safe environment where problems can be discussed openly and real solutions accomplished. What a wonderful program.” —Single Parent
On Challenging Circumstances
“The Parent Place helped me to know that I wasn’t alone and that other parents have experienced the same challenges” —Parent
“On days like this…this is my life saver” —Belgrade Mom after gym day, April 2007.
“Gym day is a sanity saver! Thank you!” —Gym Day participant, Feb 2009
On Support
“The Parent Place is where I go to make contact with other moms and share information” —Mom from Parent Place
“Thank you I feel much more confident just after talking with you.” —New father after call to Parent Place 8/2006
“I’ve called everywhere for the last two weeks, the Parent Place is the first place that has really been able to help me.” —Mother of three children new to Bozeman 9/06
“Thank you so much for all you do for us.” —Playgroup Parent Bozeman 12/06
On Love and Logic workshops
“I found the two hour ‘Intro to Love and Logic’ class that you put on more helpful than hearing Foster Cline himself speak last year! Thank you for offering these helpful classes.” —New Love and Logic parent
“I’m so glad you are offering this class this is just the information I’m looking for right now.” —Parent after Love and Logic Class 9/06
I had lost hope about my parenting….but during the Love and Logic session a light bulb went off and I have new hope again. —Mother of 3 children under 5 1/07
“When I heard about this class I thought hmm… hmm…hmm… this class has been life changing and I’m less stressed.” —Love and Logic, Feb 2009
“Thank you for showing me a new set of parenting skills, which I believe will change my and my children’s lives for the better.” —Parent after Love and Logic Class for Early Childhood, Jan-March 2009
On Adjusting
“You have made our move here so much easier. The friendships I’ve made are owed all to you.” —Playgroup Mom Bozeman 12/06
“Kathy, Melissa, and Shaina,
Suz and I have always been very thankful that we found THRIVE and the Parent Place when we arrived in town – what an incredible program. I was back east with work last week meeting with old friends and talk naturally gravitated toward our children. Couldn’t get over the depth of support available through THRIVE.
Alita and Maya have always loved participating in your programs, and I feel pretty lucky to have the opportunity to connect with you and others in the THRIVE organization.
Thanks!” —Mike Lynch, March 2009