Single parent support groups aren't difficult to get started. Use the following steps to run your own group in a local church or community center without having to put much time into preparing for each meeting.
1. Pick a theme
Start by choosing a theme for each meeting. Some examples include self-care, discipline, money-saving strategies, dealing with your ex, parenting alone, and dating.
2. Choose a Verse, Passage, or Motivational Quote
If your group will be meeting in a church setting, you may wan to choose a Bible verse or passage that goes along with your theme. Alternatively, choose a motivational quote that serves the same purpose. This will give participants something to think about between meetings.
3. Pick an Open-Ended Question That Goes Along With Your Theme
Decide on an open-ended question that you can present to the group that also goes along with your theme. For example, if your theme is discipline, you could ask the group to share one experience where they tried a new form of discipline, and it worked really well for them. Try to focus on questions that will get participants talking about positive experiences they've had. For those who share, the act of sharing their story with the group will be uplifting. In addition, those who are merely listening to each story will walk away with a handful of new ideas to try. Alternatively, type of a set of 3-4 questions, and ask participants to divide themselves up into discussion groups of 2-4 people. This will help to get the conversation going.
4. Choose an Ice Breaker
An ice-breaker is a simple tool that you can use at the beginning of your meeting to get everyone talking and introducing themselves. For example, ask each participant to share what the "weather" has been like in their lives this week. Someone might say, "My name is Julie, and I had a great week. It's been sunny and in the mid-70's," while someone else might say, "My name is Chris, and I had a rough week. It was windy, and there were several unexpected storms." This allows individuals to share how they're doing, without feeling like they have to go in to a whole lot of detail. Alternatively, start each meeting by giving participants a chance to share "highs" and "lows" from the week (just as you might do with your kids over dinner).
5. Final Step: Putting it All Together
Finally, write up a simple version of your meeting schedule, so that running the support group is a breeze.
- Introduce the ice-breaker (or "highs" and "lows").
- Share this week's theme and/or Bible verse or motivational quote.
- Present the open-ended question or questions for the week.
- Give participants to share anything else that's on their minds.
