The wonderfully unpredictable, crazy busy, highly rewarding “work” of being a parent has always been a challenge for families of all stripes. Add a pandemic to the mix and it’s easy to see that today’s parents face unprecedented challenges. Many of the key resources that are so valuable for parents—daycare, casual conversations on the playground, even simple group play for toddlers to tweens—are unavailable. Now more than ever, parents are finding support, new ideas, and even a chance to laugh with Meetup groups for parents at every stage.
The COVID-19 pandemic affects every group of people on the planet, but parents are uniquely burdened by it. Nearly one in five working-age adults say they are without work not as a result of being laid off, but because COVID-19 disrupted their childcare arrangements, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The emotional toll can be heavy, too. A study by the American Enterprise Institute found that, compared to American adults without children, parents in quarantine are:
- 8% more likely to report feeling lonely
- 12% more likely to exhibit depressive thoughts and behaviors
- 17% more likely to have cried at least once in the past week as a result of stress and frustration
Parenting groups on Meetup: a modern solution to a modern problem
As the pandemic continues, familiar resources like daycare centers, schools, libraries, and more remain out of reach. In many cases, even a simple lunch or coffee date with other parent friends is a support system that has to be put on pause.
Fortunately, parents are a resilient bunch, and many have taken the initiative to form welcoming community spaces on Meetup. With both online and safe outdoor events, parenting Meetup groups are an invaluable resource for parents to vent, share strategies, and just have a few much-needed laughs.
How parents of all kinds find support on Meetup
Just as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, there is also no single way to support every parent. Everyone comes from a different background, and has different needs. Meetup organizers host a wide range of parenting groups, each with its own unique focus, so that people at every stage of parenthood can find a community of like-minded individuals.
One Meetup group based in Maryland is called Parents at Home, and they cater to parents with young children who are looking for playmates for their little ones. They also foster adult friendships and organize a Meal Assistance Program. They’ve adapted to the pandemic by hosting Virtual Toddler Storytime events.
Another parenting group, City Dads, has 41 local groups in cities across The United States and Canada. This is an inclusive group for fathers from all walks of life: young and old, single and married, stay at home dads and dads who work full-time. They host a Dads Night “IN” on Zoom, socially distant drink nights, as well as father and son trips to museums and zoos.
There are also groups centered on specific parenting challenges. One group based in Reno, Nevada supports parents of children diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. They host monthly meetings that educate and empower parents to help their children make friends, maintain jobs, and live independently. One Virginia-based group is dedicated to helping parents who homeschool their children develop teaching practices and form a resource network. Some Meetup groups specifically support stay at home moms, divorced parents, and parents who want counseling on attachment and child development.
Parents supporting parents: It’s going to be okay.
All of these groups exist because parenting is in so many ways a group effort. The ultimate aim of all parenting groups on Meetup is to provide a safe environment where parents are reminded of a simple thing: it’s going to be okay. Sure, the struggles will continue, but it does get easier with time, experience, and the encouragement of a caring community.
The idea that it takes a village to raise a child seems to carry more weight than ever these days. And now when connecting with that village is challenged by unique circumstances, parents are finding safe and rewarding ways to connect by taking their village online. You’ll find both in-person and online parenting events taking place right now.
Help other parents with your own group
If you find a lack of parenting resources in your area, or you believe a certain parenting topic isn’t being talked about enough, you can be the one to change that by starting your own Meetup group. Get connected with others who share similar challenges. Tap into the extraordinary energy, creativity and resilience of others on the parenting journey—the toughest job you’ll ever love.
Last modified on June 23, 2021
