Erica’s World

We all know that parenting is a rewarding and exciting adventure. As a parent you eagerly anticipate little Johnnies first step. With pride, you videotape Mary’s first word. With its rewards and triumphs come obstacles and challenges. You remain calm when little Sammy unapologetically scribbles on your white walls. With strength, you muster the patience to withstand the word NO for the umpteenth time. You budget carefully to afford quality daycare. You diligently search for a caring and attentive pediatrician. These obstacles and challenges may seem even more overwhelming for a single parent if not impossible at times. As a single parent, you press on even when you feel like giving up. All of your problems are piled high on your plate and you don’t even consider doling out one scoop full. A single parent struggles to balance work and parenting. Often, he takes on the responsibilities of ten men because he thought it his duty. He never imagined he never had to be so chivalrous. One pearl of wisdom I have learned as a single parent is seek and accept the outpour of help awaiting you. You don’t have to parent alone. You will find that many parents are more than willing to share their own experiences if you just ask. With open arms they share many helpful tips on how to be an outstanding parent. They eagerly share their successes as well as their failures. There are many agencies and organizations available in your local area to help ease a parent’s worries too. One small catch: it is up to you to make the first step and reach out for their help. It is here you will learn how to be a better parent. It here you will receive the help you desperately need but are too afraid to ask. As they say, ask for help and you shall receive. Let the receiving begin!