By Tasha Miller
Social support is a fundamental need for parents and caregivers as they are raising our littlest community members.
At its core, social support is based upon a network of personal relationships in which people feel valued and cared for.
The positive effects of feeling upheld and supported by a community builds mutual trust, reduces stress, and give children a sense of belonging in the wider world.
There are three main types of social support:
🤝 Tangible Support – direct help with goods and services.
The Parent Pantry is FREE and stocked full of items for children ages 0-5 and our in-home mentorship program is was created to offer hands on help to with caregiving for little ones.
👉 Informational support – advice, guidance, suggestions, or useful information that can help parents with their own decision-making.
Our Baby, Me & We infant parent group and Playscape play and learn are places for parents and caregivers to exchange information, ask questions, and share about their unique parenting experiences.
đź’› Emotional support – offering empathy, listening, affirming words, and encouragement
All of our programs are developed in a way that families can form unique relationships with one another and other supportive members of the community so they don’t have to feel they are walking the path of parenting alone.
Mother Mentors Whidbey Island aims to provide places and spaces for families to build a network of social support right from the start.
Our vision is for ALL families of young children on Whidbey Island to feel supported and connected to each other and to their community.
Come join us and learn more by visiting the About Page on our website.Â