Why “Parent and Me” Classes?

 Having a child is a significant life changing event that re-shapes our daily interactions, friendships, routines, and expectations. Like any pivotal event, it can leave us with a flurry of emotions, both positive and negative, with which we must come to terms. Having sufficient support is a fundamental means of coping with the stresses, trials, and tribulations of being a new parent. Often times, new parents find that they drift apart from friends who do not yet have children or there is a strain on relationships with family members. Faced with these realities, it can be a tremendous help to connect with others who can identify with your experiences and who are facing similar challenges of their own.
The ability to connect with other new parents is one of the primary reasons for seeking out “mommy and me” or “parent and me” classes. These classes provide parents with opportunities to form new connections, develop an additional support system, and have some adult interaction time.  Parents with similar aged children can help to validate some of your feelings and experiences and provide tips and strategies that helped them get through difficulties.
In addition to providing you with an opportunity for socialization, these classes also help to socialize your child from a young age. The exposure to new visual, auditory, physical, and tactile stimulation has a beneficial impact on their overall growth. Exposure to new people and other children enhances their social awareness and promotes their language development. The structure of a parent and me group can be the first place where your child learns to follow directions, and it can be beneficial for your child to learn discipline and structure from someone other than just their parents.  As children try new activities set out for them in these classes, there can be an increase in their feelings of security and self-esteem as they accomplish something novel.
Attending a parent and me class also provides a valuable time for you to connect with your child outside of the routine chores of feeding, dressing, changing, etc. The facilitator of such a group will ideally help to promote your bond with your child by helping you better identify their abilities, likes, dislikes, and provide you with novel strategies for making interactions fun and rewarding. Look for parent and me groups that are led by professionals with experience in child development and/or mental health in order to ensure that you get the most out of this resource.
Working With Autism is located at 16530 Ventura Blvd, Suite 510 in Encino.  For more information, please call 818-582-2210 and visit www.workingwithautism.com.