Massachusetts Parenting Support Groups
In addition to the groups listed below, Massachusetts parents should consider connecting with their local Family Resource Center for more resources related to parenting a child with disabilities/medical conditions. For parenting children with mental health conditions, PPAL is a wonderful statewide resource. Groups listed alphabetically.
Bay Cove Human Services
Bay Cove’s Parent Support Program facilitates parent support groups at a variety of locations within the Metro Boston area. Parent support groups are held in both English and Spanish and are open to all parents in the Parent Support Program. Childcare and light refreshments are available for most support groups. Please visit the Bay Cove website for details or call 617-371-3010.
Center for Early Relationship Support – JF&CS
In addition to more clinical and intensive services, the Center for Early Relationship Support hosts a variety of free support groups for new parents. Groups include Parents of Newborns, Parents of Toddlers, New Adoptive Parents, Fragile Beginnings (NICU Experience), and “This Isn’t What I Expected” (Postpartum depression/anxiety).
Email cersintake@jfcsboston.org to find the program that best fits your family’s needs.
Elizabeth Stone House Moms Groups
For mothers rebuilding from domestic violence, Moms Groups run continuously throughout the year. The Nurturing Group is a 10-week curriculum group that runs from January to June. The Family First Parenting Group runs for 4 weeks from March to September. The Parent Support Group is a 6-week program that runs from April to October. Call 781-400-0770 for more information. English & Spanish groups available.
Family Nurturing Center
In addition to other resources for Boston parents, Breakthrough Parenting will run at the Family Nurturing Center. The program is recognized by the Department of Children & Families (DCF). The classes are free, text books and workbooks are included, and childcare is provided (please let the facilitator know in advance). Parents do not need to have custody of their child to attend. Call 617-474-1143 for more information.
Hale Family Center – Boston Children’s Hospital
Hospital-based support for family members of children of all ages who are patients of Boston Children’s Hospital. Call for meeting dates and specific locations at Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, which also offers Parent Matching opportunities in many of its clinics for specific health and disability issues. Visit the Hale Family Center webpage to learn more.
Mothering Without A Model Parent Support Group
Mother / Infant
Mothering Without a Model support group provides the moms of young children with the opportunity to explore the ways in which the absence of a positive maternal presence in their lives has impacted them as mothers. Women learn to recognize their own parenting style as well as the unique strengths, intuitive gifts, and skills they bring to mothering. Participants are able to receive and give support in the group, which is open to mothers of all faiths and races. Sponsored by The Center for Early Relationship Support, Jewish Family and Children’s Service. $125 for the series of five sessions. Email Debbie dwhitehill@jfcsboston.org for more information.
Mothers Support Group – Hilltowns
Infants & Toddlers
It takes a Village: free neighbor-to-neighbor support to families with infants and children living in the 28 Hilltowns of Western MA, offer home visits for families with new babies, gently used baby items and a Mothers Support Group as well as Wednesday Parents group. Email Stacey stacey@hilltownvillage.org for more information.
NERLC Virtual Parenting Group
Being a parent while focusing on your wellbeing and your family’s resiliency can be lonely and overwhelming. This virtual parent peer group is a place to find support from other parents. We are here to share our experiences and to find hope form other’s journeys. Meets on Zoom on Thursdays 12-1pm. Contact Reanna rLegere@nilp.org.
Northeast Recovery Learning Community is supported by the Department of Mental Health. Parents across Massachusetts are welcome to join.
Parental Stress Line
24/7 Parenting Helpline at 1-800-632-8188. Massachusetts Parents or guardians with problems relating to their children do not hesitate to call us. Trained volunteer counselors offer a way to relieve stress in an environment which is non-judgmental along with being sympathetic.
We offer support to anyone seeking it no matter how big or small. We offer a translation service so if you, or someone you know, needs a translator please don’t hesitate to call us! Visit the Parents Helping Parent Stress Line homepage for more details.
Watertown Family Network
Our services are offered to all Watertown parents and family caregivers of infants and toddlers, ages babies-to-be to four years old. Offers workshops for parents on issues which are important to you, which have included Stress Management, Women’s Health, Computer Workshops, “Joys of Parenting”, “Babies, Toddlers, Parents and Sleep”, and much more. Including facilitated Playgroups and Drop-in Playtimes where parents can meet other parents, and children can play together. They enjoy crafts, snacks, and comfy sitting areas in a child-friendly environment. Email watertownfamilynetwork@gmail.com for details.