The TMG Mentor Program

Being a parent in Tokyo can be a daunting prospect, particularly if it's your first child or if you are arriving in Tokyo with your family having never been here before. The Tokyo Mothers Group Mentor Program is designed to make the transition easier by pairing new Tokyo parents with experienced veterans.

The Mentor Program was the brainchild of a TMG member named Geraldine back in 2008. She had come to Tokyo with her young baby and connected with a long-term Tokyo resident who helped her immeasurably. Geraldine hit upon the idea of providing help to parents who felt they needed it on an individual basis, and so the Mentor Program was formed.

Any parent can request the help of a mentor. We offer support via email, telephone or face-to-face—whichever suits the parent being mentored best.  There are various reasons why someone might want a mentor, from needing help settling into a new neighborhood and questions about shopping to Japanese language support, advice about childcare and help with baby feeding or sleeping issues. The list is endless. We try to match up those who want a mentor with the best person to help with their particular issue, or the person who is closest to them geographically. I know our mentors have found being involved very rewarding and often long-term friendships are formed.

For anyone interested in finding out more about the Mentor Program, either as a mentor or mentee, please e-mail us at mentor@tokyomothersgroup.com.

By Stephanie Kawai