Primarily, I would like to share the benefits I've experienced in my five years of membership with IMN. Most importantly, I have made lifelong friendships. Through them I have had a host of good advice on everything from nursing issues to behavioral interventions. Also, I had people to lean on in times of need and an avenue to vent my frustrations as a parent to people who understood.

It is also good to note, I have seen a difference in my son who had his first play date long after going to preschool, and my daughter who has been in a playgroup since she was six weeks old. Because we traveled extensively, I was unable to expose my first child to his peers. Although he was socialized a lot, it was mainly with adults. Through the events and playgroups of IMN, both my children have learned valuable social skills, confidence, a more worldly view, and gained what I hope will be lifelong friendships. As a final point, IMN is an important part of our community. The support and linking of parents helps us all be the best parents we can be. It takes a village. . . .