A good way of getting support is by joining a Mother's Group. Friendships can develop and provide a great sounding board for many mums. Sadly there are those doting parents who feel the need to treat parenting as a competition. Here are some thoughts on these groups.
While many parents find the social setting and adult conversation a relief, there can be a down side to these groups. Some mothers like to brag about their little one's progress. Others make out their child has never had any difficulties. In fact, I recall one client telling me that a mum at her mother's group boasted how her baby slept through the night from 2 weeks old, only later discovering that this was not the case at all. These boasts left this mother feeling like a failure and inadequate.
If you find yourself in this situation; comparing yourself with a 'perfect' parent and/or feeling like a failure, know that no child or parent is ever perfect. I would suggest trying a different group to spend time with. For those parents who like to boast, I suggest that it is more helpful to be open and honest with yourself and others. It will definitely help any mother who is reluctant to voice their feelings of helplessness and stress. Share your woes as well as your glows! But do not BRAG.
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