Are you new to parenting? Are you new to the area and looking for a support system? Do you want to be part of a group that shares the challenges and successes of being a parent?

If this sounds like you, then the Circle of Parents Group might fit your needs.

This nationwide program is in its fifth year of serving Polk County and is offered by Partnership for Children of the Foothills.

There are two groups in Polk County that meet from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays following the Polk County Schools schedule with several meetings during summer. 

While the group, which is confidential and free, meets, experienced child care providers offer on-site age appropriate activities, supervision and fun for children up to five years of age, while parents and guardians are busy in group discussion and activities. Healthy snacks are also provided for adults and children. 

“We are trying to reach all parents of young children in Polk; those who don’t necessarily have a network or support group and parents who want to meet other parents who are going through the same thing they are going through,” said Olivia Whiteside, who is the Circle of Parents Facilitator for Polk County.

Discussions vary week to week and come from a topic jar that the group members add suggestions.

The groups are for parents with children up to 5 years old.

“We’ve had mothers who’ve been in the group since the start,” Whiteside said. “They often become parent leaders within the group modeling how the group runs and helping support newer members. We’ve seen that everyone has something to offer whether it’s they’ve become seasoned parents, who know how to handle the toddler tantrums or a brand new mother who has discovered the most amazing newborn swaddle method.”

For more information about the Circle of Parents Group, which is a nationwide organization, check out the webpage through the Partnership for Children of the Foothills.

Also, you can reach Whiteside through her email – olivia@pfcfoothills.org.