Parents’ Support Group: Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Families
The Parents’ Support Group is a space for parents to support one another. It provides a safe environment to share experiences, care for others, and take a breather from the demands of daily life.
The Birth of the Parents’ Support Group
The Parents’ Support Group was birthed from our children’s programme at Pusat Sumber Komuniti CARE (PSKC) in Setapak. We initially ran playgroups for selected children to improve their social-emotional development. Parents were encouraged to join these sessions to witness the impact of play on their children’s growth. Unfortunately, turnout was lower than expected, with inconsistent attendance. When parents were absent, children often missed the sessions too.
However, when we organised a simple outing to Pusat Sains Negara as the closing event of our playgroup cycle, attendance was almost full. Curious about the difference, we sought feedback. Parents shared that they were overwhelmed with work, household chores and the ongoing demands of family life. An outing allowed them to step out of their daily routine, reduce stress and bond with their children.
With this insight, we formed the Parents’ Support Group in Flat Danau Kota (FDK), Setapak. Our goal: to promote parents’ well-being through shared activities, especially family outings, with a particular focus on the mothers’ mental health.
Connecting Families through Nature
Last year, we organised two park outings for families in the Klang Valley. In October, five families joined us at Lake Gardens, and another five participated in our December outing to Taman Metropolitan. Across these sessions, we connected with six different families.
Each outing included a dedicated session for mothers to share their thoughts. Research has long highlighted the positive impact of urban green spaces on mental health. Parks offer space for recreation and relaxation, which help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. Indeed, we noticed that parents were more relaxed, joyful and open during these outdoor gatherings.
Mental well-being in parents directly impacts children’s emotional stability. By giving parents a chance to release their stress, we create a ripple effect of positive mental health within their families.
During these sessions, mothers shared their struggles while our staff engaged with their children with games and playground time. Some talked about the stress of single-parenthood, or of the pressure from in-laws. Others found space to speak of their dreams not just for their families but for themselves. Laughter, encouragement and shared experiences filled the air. Parents supported each other with words but also through warm gestures like hugs and reassuring pats on the back.
The impact has been heartwarming. Parents now eagerly anticipate future gatherings, suggesting potential dates and venues themselves—a sign of genuine engagement and ownership.
Our focus on parental well-being stems from our desire to see children thrive wholistically. As we walk alongside these parents, we also address the educational challenges some children face.
Together, we can strengthen parents, uplift children, and build healthier, more resilient families. If you feel called to make a difference, we invite you to join us. Let’s walk this journey together—one family, one child, one hopeful step at a time.
Taken from Malaysian CARE’s quarterly newsletter – Care Contact, April 2025 Edition.