Excerpts from emails received between June and October 2011

I wanted to thank you so much for last night’s meeting. You so beautifully got T to open up and share without her feeling prodded or spoken down to. It was amazing. I am so grateful that we have a plan and that you are ” there” for help in future. T felt very comfortable with you and was visibly relieved to have cleared the air on many fronts. ~ single mother juggling a new partner and a 9 year old daughter.

I think that when C and I saw you together, you managed, very quickly and clearly, to get him to see that I was a human being, flawed but trying, and somehow you showed him that I wasn’t the monster he wanted to make me into. ~ mother of 21 year old son.

Just a heads up from our home front…we’ve continued the more disciplinarian approach with b for the last 2 weeks and things have been really improving. it feels like we got our boy back and we can continue our lives as a ‘normal’ (ha, that word!) family. so – it did work, it just needed more time. I’m sure this is not the last you’re hearing from us but for now your advice has been invaluable and we thank you. ~ Mom and Dad of two children, 3 year old son and 1 year old daughter

I thought you would appreciate hearing how your techniques do work! I am sure this is not the end of her anxiety and just one of many tests of my patience and budding listening skills but things are better. Thanks! – single mother of adopted 6 year old girl

General Comments

I just wanted to say thank you for all your support and wisdom. Being part of your group over the last few years has really given me confidence in my ability to parent my son. Your sensitivity towards my issues always made me feel like I could express myself freely and I never felt judged. My relationship with my son over has really grown and become less conflicted. Because of your group, I am much better at helping him without becoming emotional myself, (no easy feat).

I also wanted to express my appreciation for how you facilitated the group. There was always a very kind and nurturing energy in the room and I believe we all felt safe in saying things that were painful and difficult to express. Listening to other mom’s stories made me feel like I was not alone and you made that connection possible. You frequently helped me to see my problems in a larger context that helped to put things into perspective. – Mother of 8-year-old son.

“With Sharon’s help,our son has become more able to voice his frustrations rather than physically act on them.It is easier for my wife and I to be patient with G. when we have specific methods at hand to turn to in difficult moments.We are able to act intellectually rather than emotionally.We essentially are more able to set a better example of the behavior we are asking from G.” ~married dad of 3 year old son and 5 year old daughter.

“Sharon helped me get perspectives on my reactions to my son. She helped my son and I learn to talk to each other. I am less hysterical now.” ~single mother of adopted teenage boy

“I’ve received support,information,validation and a re-framing of how I see myself and my child in a positive, nonjudgmental way.” ~married mother of 5-year old son

“Working with Sharon Peters shed a new light on my family’s issues,helped us communicate and provided practical,helpful suggestions that moved everything forward.” ~married dad of two adopted daughters,ages 3 and 6

“Sharon Peters has given me a fresh perspective on my role as a mother.Instead of focusing exclusively on the “problems” of my teenager and effective strategies for handling them, I have learned how to access the love I have for my “terrible teens” and to use that love to stay connected to them through difficult times.” ~married mother of three teenage daughters

“I have found clarity and understanding in how my husband’s death has affected both myself and my daughter. I am now better equipped to understand my daughter’s outbursts.Parents Helping Parents has been invaluable in this difficult time.” ~single mother of 3 year old girl

“I liked meeting in groups and getting to know that other parents’ feelings were similar to mine. I got a sense of togetherness.Each week was special.” ~mother of young boy and girl

“I’ve learned that parenting doesn’t have to be done perfectly.Parenting,to me,is about progress and perfection. Parents Helping Parents has helped me to progress.” ~single father of 7-year old son

“The handouts were useful. I have read and reread many of the articles.It is very important to know that I am not alone in my concerns about keeping my kids safe,enhancing their at-home time with my husband and me, and their healthy development.” ~mother of 5-year old daughter and 9-year old son

“I felt refreshed and calm after most parent groups.Sharon is a wonderful facilitator.” ~mother of 4-year old son