Overview | Calendar and Registration | Policies

Discussion Groups

The following groups are open to members of the MIT community. All groups are co-sponsored by the Center for Work, Family & Personal Life, unless otherwise noted.

NEW-Single Parent Discussion Group
A peer-led group offering discussion of all issues surrounding single parenting. The primary focus of the group will be peer support, including communication and recognition of the challenges presented by the lifestyle. The group will use a listserv to exchange resources and ideas on everything from babysitter's names to great spins on microwaveable macaroni & cheese. The group will also determine how frequently to meet in order to build a community of professional, single parent-headed households at MIT. For further information contact Stephanie Richardson at srichar@mit.edu.

Adoptive Families at MIT
A peer-led group offering a forum and resource for those interested in the adoption process, for families formed through adoption, and for adopted people. Ongoing meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, 12:00 PM -1:30 PM, with a mix of guest speakers and general discussion. The group, a chapter of the Open Door Society of Massachusetts, also holds special family events and administers a Big Sibling Program to bring together MIT students and children who have been adopted internationally or transracially. For more information regarding programs and events, or to be added to the group email list, which has over 100 participants, contact Diane Tavitian at dtavit@mit.edu or visit the group's web site at web.mit.edu/adoption.

Adoptive Families at MIT also sponsors MOSAIC, a group for adult adoptees, regardless of country of origin, offering a safe, quiet, confidential space to talk about being adopted and how it has affected one's life. Ongoing meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm in room 4-146. Led by two adult adopted persons from Vietnam. For further information contact Mai (Megan) Dewees at mailinhdewees@comcast.net or 781-641-5962.

Family & Friends of the Developmentally Disabled (FFDD)
A peer-led group for parents, family and friends of individuals born or diagnosed with a developmental disability. The group offers resources, personal experiences, and fellowship to those dealing with special needs. Meetings provide a forum to discuss issues common to those impacted by a loved one with special needs. Meetings will be held the 3rd Tuesday of each month beginning October 17, 2006 from 12-2 pm in Room 16-151. Bring your lunch; coffee/tea and a light dessert will be provided. All are welcome. For more information and to offer agenda suggestions, email ffdd@mit.edu.

New Life After Mid-Life
A professionally led group for women aged 50-65 who are experiencing changes related to this phase of life and who want to use their accumulated wisdom and life experience to guide them in a way that is respectful of the past, optimistic about the future and oriented toward their strengths. Led by Dawn Metcalf, L.I.C.S.W., a social worker at MIT Medical and sponsored by MIT Mental Health at MIT Medical. Ongoing meetings, which are open to all members of the MIT community free of charge, are held weekly. This group requires an initial interview with the group leader to match your needs with the group's goals. For information about time and location, call 617-253-2916. For a schedule of topics or for more information, call 617-253-2916 or visit the Mental Health Services web site at http://web.mit.edu/medical/services/s-mentalhealth.html.

BabyNet
A support network for parents at MIT. Sponsored by spouses&partners@mit, the Residential Life Program, and the Graduate Student Office, this peer-led group helps parents to connect to each other to make parenting easier. The group has biweekly meetings on campus, runs an email list for information exchange and discussions, and promotes babysitting exchanges among members. For more information, visit their web site web.mit.edu/babynet, or email babynet-info@mit.edu.

Infant and Parent Group
A professionally led group for mothers and fathers of infants under a year, as well as expectant parents, offering an opportunity to socialize and discuss the many questions and concerns that arise with each new baby. Each meeting includes a brief presentation on a topic such as creating sleep routines, coping with crying, facilitating a healthy attachment, dealing with separation, and others. Topics will vary from week to week in response to group participants' interests. Each presentation is followed by a period of informal conversation during which participants are free to bring up any parenting concern. Babies are very welcome! The meetings are led by Sylvia Sirignano, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist, and are sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness at MIT Medical. Ongoing meetings, which are open to all members of the MIT Community free of charge, are held weekly on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in E23-297. Preregistration is not required. For a schedule of topics or for more information, call 617-253-1316 or visit the Health Education web site at http://web.mit.edu/medical/c-parents.html.

Toddlers and Parents Group
A professionally led group for mothers and fathers of young children, ages 1-5 years, offering an opportunity to socialize and discuss ideas for handling the many challenges young children present parents as they grow. Each meeting includes a brief presentation of a topic such as setting limits, fostering self-esteem, understanding behavior, dealing with food and clothing issues, play, and travel. Topics will vary from week to week in response to group participants' interests. Each presentation is followed by a period of informal conversation during which participants are free to bring up any parenting concern. Toddlers and preschoolers are very welcome! The meetings are led by Sylvia Sirignano, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist, and are sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness at MIT Medical. Ongoing meetings, which are open to all members of the MIT Community free of charge, are held weekly on Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in E23-297. Preregistration is not required. For a schedule of topics or for more information, call 617-253-1316 or visit the Health Education web site at http://web.mit.edu/medical/c-parents.html.