Finding Their Village

WITH FATHER’S DAY this month and having just honored mothers in May, we celebrate parents raising children—especially those new parents navigating the beautiful yet often overwhelming early days of parenthood.

Becoming a parent is a life- changing experience filled with joy, exhaustion and countless uncertainties. As new parents transition into this next chapter, they often find themselves seeking guidance, reassurance and a sense of belonging.

That is why we are excited to shine a light on Partners in Parenting (PIP), a nonprofit dedicated to building a strong support system for new parents across Central Texas. And now, Mueller is home to the newest PIP group!

MANY FORMS OF SUPPORT

Parenting may be a universal experience, but that does not mean it should be faced alone. A recent Surgeon General advisory highlighted the immense stress and mental health challenges many caregivers face. In fact, 48% of parents reported feeling completely overwhelmed on most days, according to 2023 data. While welcoming a child is a beautiful milestone, it also brings emotional, physical and logistical challenges that can feel isolating without the right support. That is where PIP comes in.

PIP helps bridge the transition into parenthood by reducing isolation and providing a safe, welcoming space for parents to share experiences, seek advice and build a lasting support network. These small groups welcome first-time parents of all genders, creating hyperlocal communities where neighbors can connect and help each other navigate the ups and downs of early parenthood.

Partners in Parenting offers free Newborn Groups for parents of infants aged 2–16 weeks and free Baby Groups for parents with children 4–12 months. Each group fosters candid conversations on sleep, feeding, developmental milestones, postpartum mental health and transitioning back to work. With 50% of these groups conducted in Spanish, PIP ensures that language is never a barrier to finding support and building friendships.

Meetings take place in homes or community spaces, fostering an intimate, neighborly atmosphere that encourages open discussions and long-term friendships. PIP also partners with local businesses, postpartum professionals and trained facilitators to create a truly enriching experience for parents.

In the past, experts spoke to PIP groups about infant and child development, infant and toddler sleep, prenatal and postpartum support, infant feeding and solids, and movement and bodywork for parents. Additionally, to ensure financial accessibility, PIP provides free participation and grocery gift cards to families in need, ensuring that every parent has the opportunity to build their village.

THE POWER OF SMALL GROUPS

Since its launch in 2014, PIP has served over 2,000 families, demonstrating its vital role in fostering strong, connected communities. The impact is undeniable: 96% of PIP alumni report having a reliable network of support after completing their group— an invaluable resource for parents facing both everyday challenges and unexpected emergencies.

One parent put it this way: “Joining a PIP group was the single best decision I made as a new parent. This incredible organization set me up with my ‘village’—a support system that has lasted over nine years. I cannot recommend PIP enough.”

Partners in Parenting groups are free for all. To get started, visit www.pipaustin.org.

As we honor parents this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, let us celebrate the strength found in community. With Partners in Parenting, families in Mueller and beyond are not just surviving—they are thriving, together.

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT PIP

Comments like these are typical of Partners in Parenting participants:

“PIP was hands-down the best thing my husband and I did during our first year as new parents. Our group got us through those first few rough months and resulted in friendships that continue to this day (six years later). It’s the only thing I recommend to new parents!”

“Partners in Parenting is the best thing you can do as a new parent, and I recommend it to everyone I know. We had an incredibly positive experience with our group. Meeting other parents going through the same highs and lows as us at such a precious and trying time made such a huge difference in our confidence, mental health, relationship, everything!”

“I truly believe PIP should be a household name for new parents across Central Texas. It provides valuable, needed support and community connection during one of life’s biggest transitions. We love PIP!”

BY CRISTINA TANGREDI