Where to get help for Young Parents

After the 'o'crap moments' of pregnancy and when everything finally starts to sink in there is still lots of uncertainty that future young parents have. "What are we going to do? Where are we going to live? How am I going to raise a baby I don't know what I'm doing!" And these are just a few thoughts that tend to pop into people's minds. One thing is for certain... You will love that baby and and make sure she gets everything she needs and wants no matter what!

Fortunately, there is plenty of help for you as a young parent when trying to figure this all out on your own. The hard part is finding out where to go for this help, but by the time you are done reading this blog you should be able to what you need for financial help, parenting help, and support.

Financial Help
Financial assistance is probably the most significant assistance young parents can get. You can't really do anything without money these days. Good thing there are people, and organizations that are willing to help you with most of your financial needs.

Cash assistance - This basically provides a monthly cash flow for your household. Each state is different though. You can apply in person or online. Having cash assistance will provide a way for you to pay bills, and have a place to live so that you can provide for your little one(s).

Food assistance - Food stamps was huge for us when we were first starting off in our own home. There is nothing worse than working to pay the bills but still having to worry about putting food on the table for your child. If you had to choose between buying diapers and milk what would you do? Having assistance with your food allows you to focus your money on paying the bills and takes a lot of stress off your chest.

Child care assistance - Some don't need child care assistance if they have someone to watch their child for free, or if they are a stay at home parent. But it is interesting sometimes, especially for single parents. You go to work every week and after a couple months you realize that everything you make goes into day care or a babysitter for your child. It seems more logical to just quit and spend the time with your child right? Well having this assistance will take care of that worry for you. It will allow you to put your money to good use so that you are not just paying to go to work.

You may have realized the programs above are welfare programs and I understand that some do not like the idea of welfare, but it truly does help individuals raise their children well. I do not agree most of us should be on welfare forever but it provides a good stepping stone for young parents who do not have a large enough income to provide everything they feel their child should have.

Ohio residents click here for more information on these programs; For those outside of Ohio I am not familiar with where to go for information so Google the assistance program with your state name or call your local government department.

Parenting Help
It is generally pretty easy to find help with becoming a better parent. Trust me; I was freaking out because I had no idea what I was doing; heck I hardly ever held a baby before let alone took care of one. (I was the baby in the family!) Below are a few ways where you can learn how to prepare for your child and to raise them well (hopefully with little stress).

Reading - There are plenty of resources that will help you prepare for your baby. Even if you are not much of a reader it is a good idea to check out a couple of books because it can make the next few months (or years) a lot easier. Here are a few resources for you to check out:

• Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel's What to expect when you are expecting - This is a classic which will prepare you for what your body will go through during pregnancy. Many recommend this book. Click Here to check it out. (It is a fairly inexpensive book and is probably free at your library!) 
• Dani Johnson's Grooming the Next Generation for Success- This book will allow you to raise your children with respect and how to groom them to be successful in all aspects of life. There is a book or you can get an entire home study course. Click here to check it out. 
• Go to your library! I don't know where you are at in your parenting skills but your library has books for different problems or solutions you may need. And the best part is that it is free!

Talk to someone you know who has children - I am definitely not saying take advice from someone just because they have children, instead find out from them what is up ahead of you. If you do know of someone who has done an amazing job of raising children or someone you trust as a good parent (maybe your parents) then ask them if they would mind sitting down and answer a few questions you might have. 

Parenting Programs - I am not referring to welfare programs here. Instead I am talking about things such as motherhood programs, fatherhood programs, even this blog for instance will eventually be a part of a larger parenting program. My city has a great organization named WSOS which helps, fathers, mothers, vets, and many more people. Check what organizations are in your city willing to help. 

Support Groups

Yes I know "support group" may remind you of AA or something, but some can honestly help take some stress off your shoulders. Sometimes at home your parents are not the most encouraging and even at school some people may make you feel like an outcast. No one is perfect, but no one wants to feel like they're less than anyone else.

There are so many support groups for young parents! In our community there is something called "Bridges" which is a place for new parents (young or old) to get help with things for their babies like clothes, diapers, food, baby seats, high chairs, etc... But it is more than just getting things for free.

Bridges provides learning, peer support, some networking and the chance to give back! There are probably groups like this right in your own community; Sometimes even in high schools or colleges. Go online and look for groups in your community. If you need some help contact me and I may be able to help you find one.