Wilton support group helps parents with challenging children
Jeannette Ross
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WILTON Parents of children with challenging behaviors do not have to go it alone.
For six years, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Child Action Network (CAN) has offered a parent support group here. In pre-COVID times, it met monthly at the Gilbert & Bennett Cultural Center. Since March, it has been meeting virtually. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 4.
The group is led by Vanessa Elias and Beth Schweitzer, trained volunteer facilitators who have had personal experiences raising children with these concerns.
According to Elias, between eight and 12 people routinely participate each month, with children from 8 to 23 years old, many of whom are at different stages of their parenting journeys.
Wilton coach works to help parents find their power
Jeannette Ross
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WILTON When it comes to parenting, Vanessa Elias has experienced a lot and has seen even more.
She is the mother of three children, one of whom she terms as “tricky.” She’s seen different parenting styles up close, having lived in other states and countries. She has volunteered with numerous organizations relating to children and mental health including the Wilton Youth Council and National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Child Action Network (CAN). She has led a support group for parents of children with emotional and behavioral issues.