It’s not always easy for parents, especially those parenting alone and/or with little expendable income, to feel they can establish or maintain connection with other parents/peers. This connection is an important part of having good self-esteem and enables parents to support this development in their children. It can also be a support for you on your own parenting journey. Here are our tips on how to connect with other parents: 

• Visit the local playground or park regularly and talk to other parents.
• Make play dates with your friends and their children or your child’s friends from school. These can take place at the park or playground if it’s not possible to have them to your home. 
• Join a club, hobby group or walking group. Eventbrite has lots of free, local activities you can try, as do local libraries. 
• Join a playgroup or baby massage class. One Family run a free Stay & Play group and Baby Massage class, you can find more information on them here. 
• Volunteer in your community or local school on the Parent’s Council 
• Spend time with family when possible
• Use social media, wisely, to keep connected. As well as your own social media profiles, there are many online communities established for parents, and you might also like to connect with One Family on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.