Question 1

What is your sickness or cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel your spot before the beginning of the term you will be refunded the full amount you have paid, minus a $25 admin fee. If you cancel once the term has started, refunds will be negotiated at our discretion.

If you or your baby are sick, we ask that you please stay home for the protection of the other group members. Unfortunately we cannot reimburse for missed sessions.
If the facilitator is sick/needs to take leave, we will do our best to arrange cover so the group can go ahead. If we cannot arrange cover, we will endeavour to arrange a makeup session but cannot always guarantee that we will be able to do this.

Some parents have concerns about attending groups with their babies before they have had their vaccinations, but newborns attending our groups tend to spend most of their time sleeping and feeding on their own parents, not coming into close physical contact with anyone else unless the parent requests a hand with holding/feeding.

Question 2

How do you create a safe space for people to share honestly?

Accepted Answer

All groups agree to a set of ground rules in the first session, including creating a judgment-free zone, and keeping each other's stories confidential. We want everyone to feel comfortable to share openly and honestly, because we know that this is the best way to create feelings of real connection.

Our facilitators may discuss topics that arise in the groups, including personal circumstances, with other Imperfect Parents facilitators, as a form of group supervision and safety for all those concerned.

If we have concerns about the safety and wellbeing of a group member or their whānau, we will reach out privately to ensure that they are being supported in ways outside our groups as well.

Question 3

What happens if we're running late or need to leave early?

Accepted Answer

Do what you need to do! We understand that everyone has a life outside of our groups, and we'd love you to attend our sessions, even if you can't be there for the whole thing. 
We know that for some parents at home with children, these groups can be the only adult interaction you have all day, so even if you can only make it for part of the session that is better than nothing!

Question 4

I have (or am expecting) twins! Are these groups for me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We are comfortable with catering for twin parents in all of our offerings: antenatal courses, Imperfect Parents groups, and Nature Playgroup.

We have many other twin parents in our wider Imperfect Parents community and are happy to connect you with them if you're keen for some solidarity and tips - since having twins is such a unique experience.

Question 5

Why do you charge what you do?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for our offerings is something that we are continually experimenting with, trying to find the balance between accessibility for parents and sustainability for us as a business.

All of our groups are facilitated by trained professionals, with a wide variety of qualifications and backgrounds, whom we value dearly and want to compensate for the time and energy that they put into our sessions.

We also have to pay for venue hire in every space we use, and the kai and refreshments that we provide at our sessions (except for Nature Playgroup, which is priced lower to reflect this).

Finally, there is a massive amount of admin work that goes on behind the scenes, and in order for this to be a sustainable business we need to work towards being able to pay for this (because surely I - Sophie - need to pay myself at some point lololol).

At this stage, because we're not a non-profit, there's not much outside funding accessible to us (though this is something we are continually working on), so, alongside the odd fundraising gig we organise, registration payments are our sole business income.

BUT we also never want finances to be a barrier to attending, and we understand that the majority of our client base is parents on leave, and therefore on even tighter budgets than usual.

For this reason we charge a fee that enables us to cover our costs, but always have the option of payment plans and koha (pay what you can) spaces for anyone who needs them.

Question 6

How do I know if I'm eligible for a koha/pay-what-you-can space?

Accepted Answer

There is no criteria. If finances are holding you back from attending, then please get in touch. The koha spaces are there because we never want finances to be a barrier. We have funding in place that allows us to continue offering these, so please use them! Pay what you can, when you can.

Frequently Asked Questions