Being a single mother isn’t easy. The long hours at work combined with the responsibilities of home life can be quite a strain. It is essential that you get some time to yourself when you are playing the role of single mother. The only problem is that child care costs can negate this possibility. In this article we will suggest places to find affordable childcare for single mothers.
If you have family near by or even trusted friends, take advantage of any help that they may offer. They may be quite generous offering to mind your children while you are at work and saving you a lot of money; or they may only be able to offer you a few hours here and there but this should be enough time to relax, sit back and have some down time. Putting yourself first a few hours a week can make a big difference in your physical and mental health.
Single parent support groups can offer another option for affordable childcare for single mothers. Most communities have these in one form or another. They will provide you with the opportunity to meet with other single parents, get advice on how to cope and network. They are great places to discuss your frustration with others that know what you’re going through. Another bonus is they often have a supervised play area for children so you don’t have to worry about finding a babysitter.
Many local churches offer nursery groups for children. Most are run by volunteers from the local church and some do charge a minimal fee. However they do provide a safe place to leave your children for a few hours while you run errands or allow some time for yourself.
Some shopping centers will operate a limited day care service. These are run by professionals but there are strict time limits in place. Usually 2 hours is the maximum time you can leave your child in their care. Many also place strict age limits as well. Some centers are quite reluctant to accept babies. However it does provide an option to get your shopping done without the constant worry of your children.
Finally, depending on where you live you may be entitled to a child care allowance. Some states and communities offer this to help single mothers and parents to stay in work. Services may vary but it is defiantly worth looking into.
Being a single parent isn’t easy but there is help out there. Many times the single parent is so focused on the needs of the children that they forget and begin to neglect their needs. By taking advantage of the free and reduced priced child care available, you can allow yourself some down time and refocus your energy on what is really important.