| Having a support system during pregnancy and | | | | Asking questions in an understanding environment |
| parenthood is a vital component of your | | | | is important to every parent. No one person has |
| emotional health. Often this support system | | | | all the answers, so there is great value in asking a |
| consists of your doctor, pediatrician, family, | | | | question to a community of people. You get more |
| friends and coworkers. Some parents like to | | | | feedback - both in suggestions and empathetic |
| become part of a social network where they can | | | | understanding of what you are going through. It's |
| interact with people at the same place in life. Not | | | | easy as parents to feel like we are the only ones |
| every parent is fortunate enough to have a | | | | with a specific concern or fear. With an online |
| strong support system, however. And many | | | | forum, we realize there are many other parents |
| people don't have the time for weekly social | | | | facing the same issues as us. Just knowing we |
| outings, which often consist of the comparison | | | | are not the only ones in this situation is very |
| game instead of getting answers and support for | | | | encouraging as a parent. And getting answers to |
| their concerns. | | | | questions from people who have been through it |
| With the internet readily available at whatever | | | | before us is highly motivating. |
| time is most convenient for a new parent, one of | | | | When selecting an online forum to become part |
| the best ways to stay in community with other | | | | of it is important the site requires you to sign up |
| parents and educators is through an online forum. | | | | and login as a member. Creating a user account |
| Many parents are hesitant to ask questions or | | | | prevents a lot of useless information and |
| share their concerns with people they see | | | | unwanted posts from people who are just |
| face-to-face on a regular basis. Yet during | | | | browsing the site. Having your own member |
| pregnancy and early parenting is when people | | | | account means you are committed to interacting |
| really need emotional support and answers to | | | | with other members on the site and respect their |
| their questions. An online forum is a great way to | | | | input. It also ensures that only members will be |
| stay connected with other parents who are going | | | | able to view your posts and offer suggestions. |
| through similar experiences. | | | | |