By Katie Danielson
Northside Early Childhood Zone

Being a parent is hard. Children don’t come with a manual. It can be even harder when you feel alone and that there is no one you can reach out to for support. Having people in your life you can talk to can make it easier.

You are not alone. Parent Cafés can help. The Vera Court Neighborhood Center, 4-Cs, the Northside Planning Council and Northside Early Childhood Zone have come together to bring Parent Cafés to the Northside.

Parent Cafés are a relaxed, safe, judgement-free space for parents and caregivers to come together and talk about their triumphs and struggles and the ways they strengthen their families. The guided conversations create an open, casual space for caregivers and parents to learn from each other, have fun and build connections.

A meal is served before the conversations begin to let families get to know each other and spend some time together with their children. Childcare is provided during the Café to allow parents some time for themselves as they share experiences, laughs and life advice. Each Café has a theme that focuses on protective factors to help keep families strong.

Vera Court Neighborhood Center hosted three Parent Cafés in October and November, all centered around taking care of yourself and building strong connections. Cafés were held Monday evenings from 5:30‒8 pm, and each participant received a $10 gift card for each session they attended.

Parent Cafés will continue to have a presence on the Northside as more sessions are planned at different Northside locations. We all want the best for the things that matter most; our families and children. Parent Cafés help create communities with stronger, better supported, happier children and families.