My Experience with the Power Parenting Exchange Group: Finding Strength and Support in Community

By Ayo Ayeni

About 12 years ago, when my children were just 4 and 2 years old, I realized that I needed help with parenting. All the faux parenting knowledge and expertise I had at parenting other people’s children from varying amounts of distance that I had depended on, suddenly vanished now that I had my children.

I was unaware that being in the grind (hormones, sleepless nights, demands of family life, etc) is way different from parenting from afar, but I learnt! The real way.

All my virtues of patience, temperance, and diligence just flew away, and I realized that if I were to make something of this parenting, I had a lot to learn and I needed support. So, I started praying to be connected with the right people and BAM!!! I met Mr. Akinlami.

In case you don’t know who that is, Mr. Akinlami is the co-founder of the Power Parenting Company, and the Power Parenting Exchange Facebook Group is by him.

I have had the great pleasure and privilege of learning so much from the man who pours so much into this group, and I continue learning. “There is no end to learning” is a quote many parents can attest to regarding many things in life, especially parenting.

As a mother and a professional supporting family through the transformative journey of parenthood at Haven Advocacy, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the power of community in raising children. My parenting journey, like many others, has been a mixture of joys, fears, excitement, challenges, and invaluable lessons. I am honoured to be a part of the Power Parenting Exchange Facebook Group, a community that is instrumental in shaping parenting approaches for many.

One of my most profound lessons is that no parent is an island. We all need a support system – a village, as they say, or an e-village nowadays – to navigate the complexities of raising children. In the early days of motherhood, I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer weight of responsibility. Questions swirled in my mind: Am I doing this right? How can I juggle everything? Will my children turn out right? In seeking out and connecting with experts like Taiwo Akinlami and other parents, particularly through groups like Power Parenting Exchange, I found solace, guidance, and encouragement. Now that my children are teenagers, I continue to enjoy this virtual camaraderie because the beauty of such communities lies in the diversity of experiences shared. Hearing stories from parents facing similar challenges, celebrating milestones, and offering practical advice creates a sense of belonging and reassurance, and breaks down the wall of shame and isolation. I discovered that my struggles were not unique, and that there were many different paths to effective parenting; I just had to find what works for my family and the children I have.

My involvement with Power Parenting Exchange has not only enriched my personal parenting journey but has also significantly informed my professional practice. The group has exposed me to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and perspectives on various parenting styles, child safeguarding, discipline, and effective communication. This exposure has empowered me to make informed decisions about my own parenting approach and to better support the families I work with.

The support and knowledge I have gained have had a ripple effect, not only on my relationship with my children but also on my overall well-being. When I feel supported and empowered as a parent, I am better equipped to handle the daily demands of family life with confidence and joy. This, in turn, creates a positive and nurturing environment for my children to thrive.

My journey has reinforced the importance of belonging to strong, supportive communities for parents. It is my hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire other parents to seek out connection, embrace their vulnerabilities, and learn from one another. Let us continue to empower ourselves and each other through shared stories, practical advice, and unwavering support. Together, we can navigate the beautiful, challenging, and ultimately rewarding path of parenthood. My final words?…

Don’t walk alone.