If you’ve had a baby in the last decade, you’re in some luck in that there are more resources and offerings now for moms and families than maybe ever before, due to government support, private grants, and community efforts and programs.
If you’re shrugging your shoulders, wondering just where the heck these resources are, this article aims to help you mine some of these useful lifelines for moms.
Google is your friend.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but I lean on Google more than possibly any other resource out there. I ask it questions that range from kind of personal (Why is my baby’s poop orange?) to silly (Why does my baby have so much hair?) to inquisitive (What is the best-selling baby book?). An answer to any question you could possibly think to ask relating to motherhood, family, or child rearing can be found on the internet.
If you’re wondering how to get your baby to sleep, when the baby should be hitting milestones, if there is an organization in your state for children having mental health crises, if you can get free internet or grants or free iPads for your children, and the answers to so many other questions are available online. Just ask Google, and it’s yours for the taking.
Try the public library.
Libraries are awesome resources for new moms. In addition to the fact that most of them offer free programs and classes for kids starting at infancy and going all the way up, any parenting book (or even audio book) that you can think of is at your fingertips for free, as well as many parenting periodicals and newsletters. The library is also often the location of groups and meetings, like La Leche League support for breastfeeding moms, writing groups, community get-togethers, support groups for special needs families, and more. It’s a treasure trove — always has been and hopefully always will be.
Don't skip the local bulletin board.
I never walk blindly past a bulletin board — they are full of curious tidbits, including flyers for events, babysitter and preschool business cards, cleaning services, real estate agent contact info, contractor and handyman posters, yard sale and estate sale details, and upcoming community get-togethers. Don’t be afraid to use them for your own offerings or requests, too. Just write what you want and stick it to the board, whether you lost your dog, want to sell a couch, need to clear your closet out of a thousand tiny onesies, or are hunting down the perfect daybed. Seek and ye shall find.
Log on to Craigslist.
This is an old-school place to find great info, but it’s an oldie but goodie for a reason: a lot of the time, it works. Sure, you should be careful whenever meeting or exchanging goods and services with anyone, and a few strong references go a long way. But if you’re looking for something that you can’t find elsewhere, be it a service or a special interest group, it could be the exactly right spot. When all else fails, try Craigslist.
Your child's school could help you out.
Schools are, by nature, resource abundant. Between the guidance counselors, the website, the school district administration, the special guest speakers, and the collection of teachers, some of whom are highly educated and well-read, they can provide insight and information for many of the questions that may be plaguing your mind — everything from child-rearing advice to special ed questions to nutritional information. If your child’s school is a decent establishment, the staff will do what they can to help you find whatever information you need.
Visit the local college.
For many of the same reasons, colleges are terrific places to scout for resources, but they also may include world-renowned libraries, reference desks, collections, museums, and niche learning centers. Some colleges specialize in whatever area of resources you seek, such as business or certain areas of health. Some offer free workshops, classes, and events to the community, provide grants, or even allow attendees to sit in on credited classes for free. Of course, there may also be world-renowned professors, doctors, or others on staff who may be able to give some direction to your resource search.
Join Facebook groups for moms.
Lately, groups are the main reason to stick around Facebook. With thousands of area- and location-specific, and even age-specific themes, there’s literally something for everyone. There’s no limit to how many groups you can join and they are free to become a member of. Some examples of groups may include moms over 40, events for kids in the Chicago area, buying and selling Hawaiian T-shirts, musicians helping musicians, writers groups, recipe share groups, political groups, and dance enthusiast groups.
You can also even meet lifelong friends in the groups, arrange play dates, or attend posted events. As with Craigslist, be cautious if/when meeting strangers in person. Otherwise, the groups can be a goldmine of resources. A hot tip for using the groups: Before you ask a question, be sure to use the search tool at the top of the group's page to see if the question has already been asked. If your question has been asked before, read all the comments.
Happy hunting!
