Dr. Yang Xu was no stranger to the challenges of parenting. As a dedicated child psychiatrist and a single mother of three young children, she often felt the weight of the world on her shoulders.Her career had given her a deep understanding of mental health, but it was her personal experiences that shaped her vision for change. For many years, as a single parent, and a first generation immigrant, her journey of parenting was no stranger to stress, loneliness and never ending new challenges.
Meanwhile, she’s fortunate that she made many amazing friends after her move to the Bay Area in California. One of the friends she made is Jenny, who’s also a mom and an engineer working for Lawrence Berkeley lab. Through her friendship with Jenny, Yang discovered the profound impact that connection and support can have on a parent’s emotional well-being. Their late-night conversations and shared challenges highlighted the necessity of having a support network, especially for parents dealing with the stresses of raising children in a demanding world.
Over the years, Yang’s 3 children Annie, Brady and Julian have also grown into 3 wonderful individuals. Recognizing that her own growth as a parent was intertwined with her children’s development, Yang embraced the idea that parenting is not just about guiding young lives to maturity; it is also an opportunity for personal growth and discovery.
These insights became the foundation for “Together We Grow.” The organization not only addresses practical parenting challenges and mental health support but also emphasizes the relational aspect of parenting—where parents nurture their own growth alongside their children’s.
“Together-we-grow.” The name was a reflection of her philosophy: growth is a communal journey. She envisioned an organization that would not only provide resources and workshops focused on parenting, mental health, and emotional well-being but would also facilitate meaningful connections between families
With “Together We Grow,” Yang aims to create a safe haven for parents to share their experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the joys and challenges of raising children. Workshops focused on mental health, emotional resilience, and effective parenting strategies provide invaluable resources. Moreover, the organization fosters community-building events to help parents form friendships that can lead to lasting support networks akin to the one Yang found with Jenny.
Overall, the mission for “Together We Grow” recognizes the beauty of shared journeys of parenting, and underscores the idea that in nurturing our children, we also have the opportunity to nurture ourselves—creating a cycle of growth that enriches both parents and children alike.