Teamwork. What’s the first thing you think of when you hear that word? Usually it is something related to sports or maybe a job perhaps? Now that I am a Mom, and especially now that I am a single Mom, I think about the team of people it truly does take to successfully raise children. Even more so in 2021 and during a pandemic!
When I think about my team of people who help me raise my children, it is quite a large one! I couldn’t do what I do on a daily basis without the help, support and words of encouragement from so many others in my life.
My team consists of:
-My ex-husband. We are actually still a great team when it comes to co-parenting. I am very proud of our daily communication and helping one another out in whatever ways we can to make our girls’ lives easier.
-My Girl Squad. These 4 Moms all have daughters my youngest’s age, and they have been best friends for over three years now. Us Moms instantly clicked, and we then introduced all of our other kids to one another. We always have so much fun together. These girls would be there for me in a heart beat if I needed them. You can read my “Family Pictures” blog post as just one example of when my Girl Squad came to my rescue when I needed help late at night after a trip to the ER with my youngest. One quick group text and I had multiple replies of other Moms wanting to help me out when no one else was answering their phone that night.
-Mom friends. If you are a Mom and if you are a friend of mine, you know who you are!! You will listen to my Marco Polos, exchange countless texts with me, phone calls, etc. You will offer to help out or give my child a ride when I can’t be in three places at one time in one car. You will pick my kids up from school or sports and never expect anything in return. You understand how hard it is to be a parent, and I can be honest and real with you.
-My family. I am so grateful I have always had the most supportive family. My parents have been there for me every step of the way. My Mom often makes the hour and a half drive to help me out on a day when I need it the most, or times when she knows I am with the girls for 5 days by myself and at my wits end. She watches the girl at her house and hosts fun sleepovers so they have a change of scenery. She is constantly planning fun trips, outings and activities for the kids to have things to look forward to. My sister and I finally live in the same city at the same time and she and her husband have always been so helpful and wonderful with my girls. I know I can count on my family for help and it’s a great feeling.
-Babysitters. Although I haven’t really used many babysitters since quarantine hit last March, I couldn’t survive without the help of some fabulous neighborhood girls and other sitters who have been with us for years. I also have an entire squad of cheerleaders offering to watch my girls, and I am so grateful for these sweet girls
Although being a parent can often times be lonely, you have to remember that you are NEVER truly alone. Even just following certain social media accounts and blogs, can sometimes provide me with comfort, knowing that someone else out there is going through the same thing that I am. My advice to parents? Keep loving your kids. Teach them to love, not hate. And, give yourself a LOT of grace!
