Parenting Education

Pregnancy and parenting are filled with lots of uncertainty. Vida Support Services offers a mentoring program where moms and/or dads are matched up with a mentor who will support them and be their teacher. Mentors are seasoned parents. Simply put, they meet you where you are on your journey through parenting. They will provide one-on-one lessons on topics like:

  • infant massage
  • first-year milestones
  • healthy baby
  • infant nutrition
  • infant hygiene
  • potty training
  • healthy sibling relationships
  • safety
  • oral health
  • bonding
  • tantrums
  • toddler nutrition

We also offer one-on-one consultation with a lactation counselor before and after delivery and information on strategies to effectively co-parent and parent alone. 

Mentors will work with clients to schedule appointments around the busy schedule of a mom or dad.

While learning, moms and/or dads will earn credit, which can be spent in our store, Little Dear Boutique.

Through participating in our parenting education programming, moms and/or dads can earn credit to be spent in our store, The Little Dear Boutique.

The Little Dear Boutique has items like diapers, wipes, clothing, baby shampoo, formula, and other hygiene items for parents. If you are in need of gas, bus tickets, food or housing, we can help connect you to other community resources too. Mentors will work with clients to schedule appointments around a mom or dad’s busy schedule.

Monthly Play Groups/Dinner
Vida Support Services hosts a free monthly play group/dinner for mom, dads, and families. Upcoming dates are:

March 20, 2023
Breakthrough Covenant Church (215 E. Washington St., Appleton, WI 54911)

May 15, 2023
Appleton Memorial Park (1620 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton)

June 19, 2023
Appleton Memorial Park (1620 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton)

Please call the office at 920-731-4354 or talk to your Vida mentor, if interested in attending. Registration deadline is the Monday before the event.

Please contact your Vida mentor or Vida at 920-731-4354 for more information.

Help for moms, from moms. The Vida Young Moms Group offers fellowship for moms, ages 25 and under, with one another.

The group meets the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m.-Noon. Early 2023 Young Moms Group dates are:

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023

Please call the office at 920-731-4354 or talk to your Vida mentor, if interested in attending.

Childcare will be provided for children (age 1+) if desired in Little Bear Care.

Through the Vida Infant Car Seat Program and Toddler Car Seat Program, expectant parents and parents complete a variety of parenting educational and mentoring sessions and earn credit toward a new car seat upon completion of the program.

Learn more about the Vida infant and toddler car seat programs here.

When can I start receiving services?

You can start receiving our services during your pregnancy or immediately if you are already parenting a child under the age of 2.

Can the father of my baby or child come with me?

Yes. Dads, spouses, and support persons are welcome to come and learn along with mom during her appointment times. Dads also earn credit to use and shop in Little Dear Boutique.

Can a dad receive services without the mother of the baby or child?

Yes. Dads can come for support, mentoring, and education.

How long can I be in the program?

You can be in the program until the child you are going to have or are already parenting turns 2.

Can I bring my baby or child with me to my appointment?

Yes. Babies and children are always welcome to come with their parents.

Is a visit to your clinic confidential?

Yes. All of our services are confidential and free.