I write much about the importance of a good support system and a part of getting the help you need is the ability to accept help that is offered to you. I know many people who said once we arrived home with our new toddler “If you ever need anything just call”. I’m not one to easily ask for help. An offer like that may seem welcoming and is probably sincere, but making that call to ask for help is difficult for me. I know many family members who would be happy to watch Livi so John and I could have an evening out.. something we have never done in the year since becoming parents. It’s hard to do that.


I have recently started taking Livi to a respite center so that I can have a break. Twice a month for a few hours I can drop her off in capable trained hands so that I can catch my breath and recharge my batteries. This program is for Moms with little social supports and who are dealing with one type of special need or another. I can’t tell you how much I have needed this and how hard it is to accept that I need it. It’s true that my support system is not very big. My mother & sisters are about 30 miles & 30 minutes away, not a huge distance but a drive enough to make it seem like one at times.


If we are lucky we see Family once a month. I have a sister in law nearby but her hands are full with her family. We all lead busy lives and sometimes I want to vent and talk about the not- so- rosy stuff. I don’t always feel like I can do that. I think it’s so important to get the help you need. Whether the help you need is a simple as someone listening to you vent about potty training or if it’s as big as needing a babysitter so that you can get your hair cut and feel better about yourself. How are you at accepting help? Do you feel isolated? How can we all help each other better? As for me I have been trying to be more supportive and helpful to people in my life.


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