I know…what being a parent is like

A new campaign to build upon the collective support between parents in Frome is being launched at this year’s Children’s Festival this Sunday, 8th July.

The aim of the ‘I know…’ campaign is to build upon and spread acts of kindness between parents and break down potential barriers – such as feeling unsure about how to help, or feeling unable to ask.

The campaign invites parents to wear a badge, that simply communicates: “I know… I get it! Let me help.” Badges will be available for free from the ‘I know….’ stall at the Children’s Festival or to buy at Seed on Catherine Hill in Frome after the Festival. Parents can also follow the campaign on Facebook: @iknowcollective and share their stories of being supported in ‘those moments’ and the impact it made for them.

‘I know…’ is the brainchild of Frome-based child psychologist, Veronica Roberts, as a result of her personal experiences of becoming a new parent three years ago. She felt that because of her job, she should know what to do as a parent and that other people would expect her to know too.

“When things inevitably went a bit wrong or I made mistakes, particularly when out and about, I felt incredibly vulnerable and like people were watching and thinking I was a terrible parent,” she says.

But there were a few memorable times where total strangers helped her in her moment of need, either with a supportive smile, a kind word or actual practical help. One lady invited her into her house so she could feed her one-month old baby on a sofa in the warm, rather than on the wall by the road.

“Every time I pass her house I smile with gratitude at her kindness. Because, as parents we all have those moments, we all know how tough some days can be and how a small smile or a kind word can make a big difference.”

For more information about the ‘I know…’ campaign visit the Children’s Festival this Sunday, 8th July, from 12pm to 6pm in Victoria Park and Mary Baily Field. Or visit the campaign’s Facebook page: @iknowcollective