Make a Difference Today: You Can!...Set Up a Babysitting Network for Teen Moms

Part of our calling here at Treasuring Grace Ministries is to help make it possible for women to say YES to having babies, even under difficult circumstances. That is why, on our blog, we list resources for Moms in need.  Everyone can make a difference, and the organization "Do Something.org" recognizes that as well.

I found an article on their site about how people can put together a babysitting network to help out teen moms who might need that extra helping hand to make it possible to return to school or find a job. They offer tips on how someone might go about organizing a network and making a REAL difference in their community. 

I find this to be very INSPIRING. and I hope that by sharing it here, it will spark an idea within you to get busy in your neighborhood, church or community to start a movement to help others.  Check it out....

How To: Set Up a Babysitting Program to Help Teen Moms

Only 1/3 of teen mothers earn high school diplomas. Set up a babysitting program that allows teen moms extra time to study and pursue goals that will benefit them and their child.

• Recruit your sitters. Find experienced babysitters that are willing to volunteer their time. Ask your friends, classmates and other neighborhood moms for referrals.
• Set requirements. Your sitters should pledge a certain number of hours a week that they will help out.
• Learn some extra expertise. If your team of caretakers isn’t fully confident with their child-watching skills, sign up for a babysitting and/or CPR course at your local community center, YMCA or Red Cross location.
• Find moms in need. There are plenty of moms to choose from! To get some business, you can:
• Advertise in your community (hospitals, supermarkets, schools, newspaper, etc.)
• Contact the National Association of Social Workers and ask them to connect you to possible clientele
• Snag the necessities. In order to do the best job possible, your sitters are going to need a few vital details from their prospective child-bearing clients. Such information includes:
• Emergency contact information (where to reach the mother or family in case of an emergency, child’s physician, etc.)
• Where the mother will be, if they are not staying at home
• Any allergies or medication that the child has
• Preparation for the job. Participating babysitters can brainstorm to figure out the most effective ways to entertain and take care of the child while the mom is studying. Whether you want to stay at home with the child or go on excursions to allow more peaceful study time for the hard-at-work mother, talk with the mama to decide the right call of action. 

From: 
 http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/how-to-set-babysitting-program-to-help-teen-moms

Shining the Light: On Baby First Site: Educational Website for Baby

Hi friends,
I recently posted a note about our new Resources for New Moms tab on our TG home page, but I wanted to call your attention to one of the links, because I know you won't have time to check them all out.

Baby First is a nice little website that could be an invaluable resource for those who home school, or want to give their kids a head start with some early learning at home.

It offers free videos, lessons and games that support learning of all the basics... colorful and bright, your little ones will be both entertained and educated.

There is plenty for Mom and Dad as well, including some resources for online books for kids.
Don't have a small tike? Please share this resource with someone who does.
You'll find them here:  Baby First TV

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Announcing the Resources for New Moms Tab

We are really excited to share a new development on our Treasuring Grace Ministries Blog. Part of our mission here is to support those who have chosen to accept the role of Motherhood (or Fatherhood) in spite of what may be difficult circumstances. Our new Resources for New Moms tab is part of that commitment.

You'll find it at the top of our blog page, and if you click on the tab you'll find links to a continuously growing list of online resources that can help get you both information and real help when you need it.

Places like Birthright.org are there, which can help pregnant women get counseling and information as well as pregnancy tests and support throughout your pregnancy.

You'll also find awesome information and links on practical stuff like how to get free diapers and baby care products, free downloadable baby books, and a really great website to help support early childhood education.
We will be adding to this resource list on an ongoing basis, so if you have a resource you'd like to share, please let us know so we can link it up for everyone's benefit.
Spread the word!

  VJ8PW777T2QS

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