Being a parent is never easy, but it can be even more difficult if you’re a single mother. There never seems to be enough time in the day or money in the bank to make it all work in a way that makes you feel comfortable and happy.

The good news is that things can be made easier. You just have to know where you can look for help.

Get Car Seats Professionally Checked

Car seats are important. Whether you have a newborn in a rear-facing seat or a school-aged child in a booster seat, modifying where your child sits as they age can ensure they are safe, even if you find yourself in an accident.

However, just because your child is sitting in a car seat doesn’t mean they are protected. That car seat has to be installed properly, and it has to be the correct seat for your child.

Knowing the rules and making sure you get the seat installed properly by yourself can be difficult. For example, did you know that children under 20 pounds should remain in a rear-facing position? Do you know what the LATCH system is?

Fortunately, it’s a lot easier to get help than you think! Inspection stations can be found throughout your community, and you can find certified CPS technicians in your area. Depending on where you live, you could get help with your car seat at the police station, fire station, and special events at community centers and baby stores throughout the year.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

After a long day, it’s easy to walk into your home or apartment as quickly as possible. On the weekends, you may be more interested in unwinding alone than talking with your neighbors, but getting to know your neighbors can be very helpful.

There are many ways your neighbors can help you once you take the time to get to know them. For example, they can:

  • Keep an eye on your house while you’re away
  • Mow your lawn or shovel your driveway
  • Provide you with essentials in a pinch, like eggs or milk
  • Lend expensive tools and/or their home repair skills
  • Keep an eye on the kids while you run to the store

Request Help With Daily Chores

There’s a lot to juggle as a single mom. Getting it all done in a single day is impossible, which means things may fall by the wayside. You can make sure it all gets done by asking for help with daily chores.

The easiest way to do that is to hire someone to come in and clean the house or mow the lawn, but you can still get help if you don’t have the money to pay for professional services. For example, you can get the kids to do some household chores, or you can ask a neighbor to help out. Even getting help with something as simple as taking out the garbage can be a relief.

Don’t feel comfortable asking for free help? Consider asking a friend or family member to help with something as a birthday or Christmas gift!

Dial 2-1-1

There are a lot of resources out there that can help you as a single mom, but finding those resources can be hard. Not only is it difficult to find these resources, but it can also be difficult to ask people you know for help. If you aren’t sure where to turn, and you aren’t ready to talk to your friends and family about needing help, call 2-1-1.

This number works the same way as 911, except instead of requesting emergency services, the call center is manned by referral specialists who can help you with private and public health and human services in your area. From clothing banks to mental health resources and job training, just tell them what you need and they can tell you where to go next.

Look for Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available, in addition to the other services you can discover when dialing 2-1-1. You just have to know where to look.

Knowing what’s available is half the battle. Research financial assistance for single mothers and you’ll discover financial grants, food assistance, affordable health insurance, and more.

You should never be ashamed to ask for help. There’s only so many hours in a day, and you’re only one person. These ideas will give you a place to start when getting the help you need to make your days go a little more smoothly.

Categories: Me

Vicky Charles

Vicky is a single mother, writer and card reader.

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.