Fondation en coeur English Parents’ meetings
2025-2026
Note: this is a new group (in English) and we might have a limited number of participants as the group grows and gets known. Make sure to share the information with other parents you know and register as early as possible for the sessions you want to participate in as some sessions might be canceled if there’s not enough registered participants.
Discuss in a group your experiences and reality as parents of a child with heart disease with other parents who are experiencing the same reality, in a space marked by respect, kindness and solidarity.
Facilitated group from October to May, 90 minutes monthly on Tuesday evenings (7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., 8 meetings), theme at each session which can change during the meeting according to the needs of the participants present that day.
None! Just your desire to actively participate and be kind.
Anouk Brière and Évelyne Crépeau, trained social workers, bring several years of practical experience as well as expertise in facilitating support groups.
Registration required at least 3 days before the meeting at: parentsencoeur@gmail.com
THEMES AND SCHEDULE
2025
October 21st
Debrief your story: Share your story from when your child was diagnosed to today with parents who understand your situation. Talking openly about your story in a safe space without having to explain everything often helps you process things differently.
November 18th
Stress, anxiety and managing our emotions: Learn more about the impact of the anxiety you experience on your children’s development (you might be surprised!) and discuss your lived experience with the other parent present.
December 2nd
Explaining the heart condition (to my child, family, school, etc.): To discuss the challenges and good ideas
2026
January 20th
Father’s Place (special invitation to dads!): We specially invite you (with or without your partner) to discuss your often different reality, your needs and your way of being the father of a child with a heart condition.
February 17th
Coping with parental guilt: From “I shouldn’t have had that drink at the beginning of the pregnancy,” to “Did we do the right thing keeping the baby?” to “I should have seen that my child wasn’t doing well,” the journey of parents of children with cardio-related conditions often rhymes with feelings of guilt. Come and chat with other parents who understand, are going through the same thing, and don’t judge, and perhaps leave with a little less guilt.
Mars 17th
Managing to take time for yourself: Between medical appointments, caring for your child, and the rest of everyday life, taking time for yourself can often be a challenge. Yet, it’s essential to getting through the marathon you’re in. Come discuss your needs and tips for continuing to be there for your child and yourself
April 14th
Life goes on: At the same time as intense periods like hospitalizations and diagnoses, work, siblings, and the practical needs of daily life bring you back to «regular» life. How can you reconcile these two very different situations?
May 12th
Grief (big and small): Having a child with a heart condition comes with many challenges, from a child who’s not healthy to developmental disabilities and “abnormal” participation in daily life, come discuss the topic with parents who are going through similar grief experiences