Buzz
The MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network connects parents navigating the challenges of raising children with disabilities or disorders. Explore more parenting images.
©iStockphoto.com/Luis SierraParenting is challenging, but raising a child with a disability or medical condition can be even more demanding. Sometimes, simply having someone who understands your struggles can make a world of difference. This is why Julie Gordon, a mother from Wisconsin, established the MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network in 1979. What started as a small gathering of mothers with children affected by cerebral palsy in a living room has now expanded into a worldwide database supporting over 20,000 families globally [source: MSN Health].
MUMS, which stands for Mothers United for Moral Support, aims to link parents of children with disabilities or disorders to others facing similar challenges. This parent-to-parent matching system allows families to share experiences, discuss challenges and successes, and exchange vital medical information. Currently, the MUMS database covers more than 3,500 disorders and collaborates with other organizations to ensure even rare conditions are included. Additionally, the network assists in locating or establishing local support groups.
The MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network operates as a private, non-profit entity. It provides services like parent matching and a periodic newsletter, typically for a fee, though financial difficulties may qualify for a waiver.
Parents raising children with disabilities or disorders often gain deep expertise in their child's condition. The MUMS network enables them to share this knowledge, offering invaluable support to others in similar situations. Continue reading to learn how you can leverage this network.
Using MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
Engaging with the MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network is straightforward. Begin by completing a survey detailing your child's disorder or disability and its impact on your life. This information helps MUMS include you in its database, facilitating connections with other parents or caregivers who have faced similar challenges. The survey covers topics ranging from hospitalization history to the unique joys your child brings. Access the survey in the How to Join MUMS section on their website [source: MUMS: Survey], and submit it via mail or email.
At the survey's conclusion, you can specify desired services. A list of parent matches costs $5, but financial constraints may qualify for a fee waiver. Once added to the database, MUMS provides contact details for parents with similar experiences. The network also assists in connecting you with local support groups or helps you establish one. For direct inquiries, contact numbers are available on the MUMS website.
Numerous parents have discovered that becoming part of the MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network can be an enriching and valuable experience, offering indispensable support. Continue reading to explore the potential advantages of joining.
Despite the inclusion of "national" in its name, the MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network reaches well beyond the United States. Its database now includes members from 56 countries worldwide, with the potential for further expansion in the future [source: MUMS: History].
Benefits of MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
As the MUMS database continues to expand, an increasing number of families are utilizing it to connect with others who truly understand their experiences. This growth has brought attention to even the most uncommon conditions. Parents not only offer each other emotional support and encouragement but also exchange crucial medical information, including recommendations for doctors, healthcare facilities, and recent medical advancements.
The MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network also serves as a valuable resource for locating local support groups. Many experienced parents possess extensive knowledge about their children's disabilities and are eager to assist newcomers facing similar challenges. If no support group exists in your area, MUMS provides resources to help you establish one. While the organization may not always connect you with individuals experiencing identical situations, it can often introduce you to local individuals navigating similar circumstances.
An additional advantage of the MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network is its quarterly newsletter. Parents can subscribe annually for $15, with the option to waive the fee in cases of financial hardship, while professionals are charged $25 [source: NHIC]. The newsletter provides a platform for families to share their experiences broadly and addresses key issues impacting families raising children with disabilities or disorders.
