Being a single parent is tough, no doubt about it. But sometimes having even two parents to share responsibilities doesn’t seem like enough. You could use an entire team. Well, don’t laugh. It’s possible. There are dozens of parents in your neighborhood wishing for the same thing. By seeking them out and working together, you can make your life easier and help your kids live better, too. Here’s how to get started.
Take names. Ask your child’s teacher if there’s a contact list for the class. If not, volunteer to put one together. Make sure to get e-mails.
Reach out. Contact everyone on the list. Explain that you’re trying to start an informal parent support group. Invite everyone to a get-together at your home, a community center, or even the school.
Explain the concept. Let everyone know this isn’t another PTA or PTO. It’s much less formal. For example, if a child is complaining about some aspect of school, it’s an easy way to check with other parents to see if the gripe is universal. It’s also a venue for trading tips on everything from the best place to throw a birthday party to where to buy cut-rate school supplies. From car-pooling opportunities to babysitter recommendations, it can all happen here.
Ask for volunteers. Once everyone is pumped up, ask who’s willing to help. To lessen your load, put people in charge of specific areas. For instance, someone could captain shopping deals. Their job would be to let everyone know when juice boxes go on sale at Food King or when Walmart is blowing out its inventory of winter coats. Someone else could be in charge of gathering opinions on pediatricians or babysitters. Another could be the point person for mobilizing help should a family suffer health or financial setbacks. And so on. Brainstorm your needs, then pool resources to meet them.
Inform the school. Let the teacher and principal know what you’re up to. No doubt the administration will welcome your support, but at the same time, realize there’s power in numbers. While it’s easy for them to ignore one parent, they won’t be able to avoid a bunch. So while your group is primarily supportive, don’t forget that it can also be proactive.
Stay connected. E-mail is the easiest way to keep everyone up-to-date. If someone in the group is technically savvy (look to the kids, not just the parents), the group can create a website or Facebook page. But don’t let technology make you faceless. Organize periodic get-togethers. Some could even feature guest speakers, such as a local law-enforcement person to discuss the drug and crime challenges for your children’s age group.
Just remember that if you ever get to feeling overwhelmed, you’re never really on your own.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
