It’s true, nowadays we can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of our children. With potential predators lurking online and on our very streets, a parent has to constantly be on the lookout for anything that could possibly pose a danger to their children. But what if you also happen to be a single parent?
Of course, having your parental team reduced by half makes double the work for you, but just because you’ve got a little extra burden doesn’t mean you and your children can celebrate your unique family and most importantly, stay safe.
Let’s take a look below at some of those critical tips to heed when putting safety first:
- After school care: For those single parents who have young children who are of school age, then the hours after school before you come home from work can present a scary little gap of time. Especially if they are very young. If this sounds at all like a predicament that you are currently facing then calling your child’s school to see if there are any afterschool activities that they can be a part of. If your school doesn’t offer this, then looking into an organization like the “Boys and Girls Club” might be a good option. Call your local chapter and see if they offer transportation from school, it’s a great program with many different activities to offer your child.
- Where are your children? It’s true, in our household, we’ve probably broken all the cardinal parenting rules with this one, but I broke down and bought my daughter a phone for her tenth birthday. My wife and I both work, so we had to get a hold of her somehow. Of course, I’ve heard nothing but grief some of her friend’s parents, namely that I set an unfair precedence for the rest of the class, but if you need to speak with your child ASAP, a phone is the most effective way to do that. Of course, use common sense and moderation, the phone should be above all, a tool, not a toy, (try telling a 5th grader that!) and make very clear the rules and expectations that are required for continued use of it; that when you text/call, they answer it—always.
- Nanny/Babysitter: For those that can afford to have someone there to pick up your child after school then a nanny might be the right option for you. Try speaking with some trusted acquaintances, if not go online and look for a nanny agency. You will have to pay a fee, but they will do all the matching and background checks to make sure that the nanny will be a good fit. If a nanny does not fall within your budgetary guidelines, you can look into having them stay with a trusted neighbor, or perhaps a high school or college-aged babysitter. However, to put your worries at ease, you should do your own background check. A site like www.onlinesearches.com is a great first step, starting with a low fee, as little as $1.99, you can begin your search today, all in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
At the end of the day, your needs will be a bit different than those of the traditional two-parent families, but this doesn’t mean that your children will have to suffer. You just have to be a little more inventive with your childcare options. Don’t forget, being a parent is really the most important job, and providing your children with the safety and comfort that they need is no different than any other family in America.
Colter Brian is a former private investigator turned freelance writer. When he writes, he contributes to sites such as Online Searches. Some of Colter’s hobbies include hunting whatever is in season and perfecting his pasta recipes for his toughest critics; namely his two children.