What is Parent Talk?

Parent Talk is a community based organization dedicated to helping families with young children connect, learn, play, and grow together. The organization is a volunteer run, 501C3 non-profit organization.

How does Parent Talk membership work and how much is it?

Families join Parent Talk for a 12-month period and have the option to renew their memberships annually. Basic memberships are available for $85 per year. Supporting members pay $100 per year and have access to additional benefits such as discounts at Stone Hearth Pizza and reductions off joining fees at area gyms. View a complete list of basic and supporting-level benefits.

In this economy, is a Parent Talk membership a good value?

In addition to the community connections developed through membership, Parent Talk members enjoy a huge range of financial benefits: discounts at numerous local retailers, restaurants and enrichment vendors; free museum passes; free admittance to the Parent Talk lecture series; invitations to weekly free or reduced rate family and child events. The annual monetary savings more than covers the annual membership fee. Review the complete list of member discounts.

Where do my membership dollars go?

Parent Talk membership dollars support the organization's extensive programming and community initiatives. For example, Parent Talk pays annual rent and covers all of the associated operating expenses of the organization's indoor Playspace at the Caryl School in Dover. In addition, Parent Talk membership dollars help the organization offset programming costs associated with hosting lectures by renowned speakers as well as frequent family and adult-only events, which are then offered to members at no cost.

Does Parent Talk have a discussion board for sharing resources? (ie. reliable childcare/a great pediatrician / a new dentist / restaurant that serves brunch and doesn't mind screaming kids...)

Parent Talk members are encouraged to join Parent Talk's Yahoo! group where members can ask each other questions and learn from the experiences of other members.

When is the next Parent Talk Used, Clothing, Toy & Equipment Sale, and how do I donate / consign?

The Parent Talk Used Clothing, Toy & Equipment sale is held twice a year, typically in May and October. Learn more about the upcoming sale as well as details on how to donate and consign.

I am a stay-at-home mom / dad of a toddler and winter is approaching. We both need to get out of the house - any suggestions?

Parent Talk members enjoy unlimited use of a dedicated indoor play space located in Dover, MA called the Playspace. The play space provides a bright and spacious venue to meet up with and get to know Parent Talk friends. Parent Talk also helps place members in playgroups appropriate to children's ages and offers a variety of child and family events throughout the year.

How can I find out more about area preschools?

Parent Talk hosts a Preschool Information Fair every October that is attended by numerous area preschools. In conjunction with this event, Parent Talk publishes a preschool guide containing valuable information for participating schools. Members may attend the fair for free and receive the guide at no cost. Non-members may attend and receive the guide for $10.

I may be interested in joining Parent Talk. Can I attend an event or two?

Parent Talk hosts many events throughout the year that the general public may attend for a fee. For more information about upcoming events, please take a look at a list of our upcoming events or email membership@parenttalk.info.

I am a working parent. Are Parent Talk events geared toward stay-at-home parents and / or nannies?

Parent Talk's family events and child activities are hosted at a variety of times throughout the week and on weekends. Additionally, the organization hosts some adult-only events on evenings and weekends throughout the year to give parents a chance to connect. One of Parent Talk's most popular special interest groups is Career Moms—a social/networking group open to members who are employed on a full-time, part-time, temporary, freelance or self-employed basis.

I need to "freshen up" my resume and wouldn't mind donating a little time to a worthwhile organization. Can I share my skills / expertise with Parent Talk?

We'd love it! Parent Talk is run exclusively by a dedicated group of volunteers, and we welcome members' expertise, skills, ideas and energy. Please visit Get Involved to learn more about ways to donate your talent.

Many of the families we are closest to are those we met through Parent Talk when our children were young. The organization made a huge difference to us. Is there a way we can make a donation to show our support?

Yes, and thank you for your generosity! Your support will go directly toward Parent Talk programming and numerous community initiatives. Currently we’re accepting donations by check. Please mail to: Parent Talk, Inc. P.O. Box 920531 Needham, MA 02492, Attn: Donations. Parent Talk is a 503C organization, and your donation may be tax-deductible.

I am a childcare provider. Can I earn CECs from attending a Parent Talk lecture?

Yes, several of Parent Talk's lectures qualify for credit; contact lecture@parenttalk.info for more information. View Parent Talk's current lecture series.

I am a local business owner. How can I advertise to Parent Talk members?

To advertise in Parent Talk's newsletter, Parent Talk Matters, contact advertising@parenttalk.info. To learn more about partnering with Parent Talk through event sponsorship and/or to extend discounts to Parent Talk members, contact fundraising@parenttalk.info.