Have the kids learned how to push your buttons? Has parenting got you stressed out? Think you have nowhere to turn? Parents Anonymous may be the group to offer help.

Available through the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, Parents Anonymous is a national organization helping parents cope with the everyday stresses of parenting.

The group meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Fay Terrace Community Center in Transfer and is free, said Phyllis Gallant, director of the Farrell site.

The parent-led organization was started in 1970 by a Los Angeles woman named Jolly, who, after fearing she would abuse her children when she could not cope with their behavior, sought help at a mental health agency. Finding no programs to aid parents, she set up Parents Anonymous with mothers in her area to share frustrations and problems and try to find solutions.

As the name implies, the group shares only first names and phone numbers, which are used only for contact and support between meetings. There is a group facilitator, professionally trained by the program, at each meeting who offers guidance and resources. A parent leadership role, also a trained position, is established to be sure that the group remains on task and discusses topics openly.

All information provided and shared with the group is kept confidential. However, in accordance with state laws, group facilitators are required to report any information of child abuse in a home.

Parents, who may join at any time, may opt to attend meetings only in times of crisis but are encouraged to attend regularly. Members set the agenda and the facilitator may provide a speaker or multimedia resource if asked by the group.

All stages of child development are discussed. From the "terrible twos," to runaway teenagers, the group offers multiple resources.

"This is not a 12-step program," said Ms. Beth Bitler, program director for Pennsylvania Parents Anonymous. "It is a mutual support situation."

Child care is also provided during the meetings by caretakers trained by the Parents Anonymous program. Parents may choose to have organized activities planned by the program for the children or just for them to be watched.

As outlined by the "Best Practices for Parents Anonymous Group Facilitators" handbook, the program focuses on four main principles:

   » Parent Leadership -- recognizing and taking responsibility for their problems, developing their own solutions and serving as role models for other parents.

   » Mutual Support -- helping through a reciprocal relationship and creating a sense of community.

   » Shared Leadership -- stressing that parents and service providers can build a successful partnership to share responsibility, expertise and leadership roles.

   » Personal Growth -- dealing with the parents themselves making significant, long- term, positive change by exploring their feelings, identifying options and acting on their decisions in an atmosphere of belonging, trust and acceptance.

The Pennsylvania branch of Parents Anonymous is the largest network in the nation with more than 200 sites, Ms. Bitler said. The program is often sponsored by local groups.

In this area, Parents Anonymous is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Children's Trust Fund. The HOPE Advocacy Program facilitates the group and is also funded partially by the trust fund and the United Way of Mercer County. The program is organized through the Children's Aid Society.

For more information, parents in the area can contact Phyllis Gallant at the Prince of Peace at (724) 346-5777 or visit the office at 502 Darr Avenue, Farrell.