Moms, mentors and social support
Date
2002
Authors
Hobbs, Maureen Violet
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Abstract
The Moms & Mentors' program is a small group of young moms and experienced moms trained as mentors who created a social support network in the community. Four moms and four mentors were interviewed and three mentors and two moms participated in a focus group. Their interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that building social support with moms and mentors, involved developing their identity by sharing in the experiences of being a mom, learning mothering skills, developing problem solving and decision making skills, and receiving encouragement for pursuing their goals. As a result of their shared experiences, moms and mentors increased self-confidence and self-worth. Moms & Mentors is an experience of empowerment, both for the individuals involved and the community.