Social Connections

“A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.”

-Douglas Pagels

Why do parents need social connections?

Everyone needs a network of friends, family and neighbors to support them. Having others around you who know, love, and care about you can help you cope with stress, develop social skills and confidence, and get resources when you need them.

Whether you live in a small town or a big city, have a huge extended family or are a single parent – you can always find social connections. Sometimes it may take work to overcome cultural barriers or find time to spend with other adults. When you are able to connect with others, your own family will be stronger.

Tips for Parents on Social Connections:

Click on the following link to download printable parent tip sheets on Social Connections:

Are You Even Listening?

A Web of Friends

Why We Need Friends

Social Connections Resources:

The following links will take you away from the PCAT Parents website. Each page we link to has been evaluated for accuracy, but links found on those pages have not.

About.Com – How to Make Friends As A Single Parent

http://singleparents.about.com/od/support/qt/makingfriends.htm

Suite101.Com – Making Friends as a Stay at Home Parent

http://stayathomeparents.suite101.com/article.cfm/making_friends_as_a_stayathome_parent

Harvard University Ombuds Office – Guidelines for Interpersonal Communication

http://www.hms.harvard.edu/ombuds/g_overview.htm

Circle of Parents – Group Locator

http://www.circleofparents.org/locator/index.shtml

Parents Anonymous – Programs and Network

http://www.parentsanonymous.org/pahtml/progNet.html

BetterTogether.Org – What is Social Capital

http://www.bettertogether.org/socialcapital.htm