A Support Group for Parents on Each Side of the Custody Fence

Fighting for custody of one's child is one of the most gut wrenching things a parent can do. Emotions run rampant. One is always struggling with the fear of losing all they hold dear, trying to maintain hope that they will prevail, the anger associated with the idea that the other parent wants to minimize their role in the child's life, and the frustration of constant pitfalls present in the co-parenting relationship. In addition to the range of emotions felt by Mom and Dad, Stepparents also struggle with a variety of emotions and ambiguity about what their role in the situation is supposed to be.

It is hard for Parents and Stepparents to get good information or advice on their situation because family members are too involved or too "close" and friends may not clearly understand the dynamics of a separated or blended family situation. Sometimes Parents or Stepparents just need a place to vent away the day's frustrations. There are many support groups that are perfectly focused to meet these needs.

For All Parents

PWP, Parents Without Partners is an international non-profit support group that has been providing support and services to Parents for over 50 years. PWP has many local chapters, activities, local and regional meet-ups, resources for children, referrals to resources and personal growth workshops. PWP does charge between $30 and $65 for an annual membership.

For Mothers Without Custody

NANCM, The National Association for Non-Custodial Moms Inc. is a non-profit support group that provides emotional support and other resources to mothers without custody, although non-custodial fathers and custodial parents are welcomed to join and participate. NANCM has a very active discussion board, a protected area of the discussion board dedicated to providing a place for the children of members to talk to each other, a myspace group, local chapters, and several professionals from different fields that provide assistance to NANCM members. NANCM also helps members access local resources such as financial assistance, education, legal resources or any other resource needed.

For Fathers Without Custody

SPARC, Separated Parenting Access and Resource Center is a non-profit advocacy group that provides support and advice to fathers without custody, although non-custodial mothers and custodial parents are welcomed to join and participate. SPARC has a variety of tools available for immediate download, many for free, that are very helpful to parents in their custody situation. The free parenting time tracker and sample parenting plans are examples of these tools. SPARC also has an active discussion board, access to state information regarding custody, and several professionals who answer the questions of members.

Support Groups For Stepparents

StepTogether is an organization that provides support and advice to Stepparents. StepTogether has an active discussion board, links to informational resources, and experienced successful stepparents or co-parents to advise its members.

It is important for people involved in high conflict situations to take advantage of the resources around them. These groups, or similar ones, could be the best step Parents make on the path to co-parenting. Parents can learn from the wisdom of people who have already lived through a similar situation and learn what works and what does not. They can also receive support when the situation feels overwhelming.

Every person, even children, in a separated or blended family can benefit from these types of groups.

NANCM www.nancm.org

SPARC www.deltabravo.net

StepTogether http://www.steptogether.org

PWP http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org