Padres Ayudando Padres: A Community-Based Parenting Support Group Built by and for Immigrant Mothers

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Counseling Poster Session B

Abstract

In a co-effort between the community and research team, we developed the support group Padres Ayudando Padres: Construyendo Familias Fuertes (Parents Helping Parents: Building Strong Families), with the goal of building community while sharing parenting strategies with a group of Central American immigrant mothers. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed pre-and post- intervention data, field notes, and observations from a diverse group of researchers. In this session we will present our findings on how a space such a support group for mothers can help them to improve their parenting skills and well-being in general. The findings show us the importance of culturally responsive and community-driven initiatives and spaces to build relationships for community members as a means to improve their well-being.

Authors

• Maribel Tohara Nakamatsu, George Mason University

• Rachael Goodman, George Mason University