Are you a single mom trying to do it all alone? Check out these important reasons that you need to ask for help!
Asking for help as a single mom
It’s easy to shrug people off when they offer to help. You might want to do it all, but it can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Learning to ask for help as a single mom is a true super power.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do” This isn’t the most helpful phrase. Usually people say this because they don’t know what to do or say.
Sometimes they do mean it. They are willing to do anything for you, but they really don’t know what you need help with.
It can be awkward because now it’s up to you to come up with things you need help with and then ask for help not knowing whether they meant the offer or not.
Why should you ask for help?
Sometimes things get so overwhelming that we just can’t keep moving forward. Sometimes we need help to get past the overwhelm and to help us get back on track.
You deserve to be happy. When you’re happy, you’re better able to take care of your kids.
Be willing to ask and accept help
It’s difficult to ask for help. We feel exposed. We feel guilt and embarrassment. We often feel like the things we need to ask for help with are the things that we feel the most guilt over. Or we feel like a failure for not being able to keep up with these things.
Who wants to expose their biggest difficulties to their friends? Or to anyone? Plus, when we’re overwhelmed and don’t know how to ask for help or even what we really need, it can feel paralyzing.
What do you need?
First, identify your needs. What would really help you get through your day? What would help you feel like you’re at least not drowning?
You can’t ask for help if you don’t know what you need. Write out everything that would truly help you allow you to be the best mom you can be. You can even use this free printable worksheet to guide you through the process.
Think about when you notice that you need help? And when do you start feeling most overwhelmed or defeated?
How can others help you?
Think about how others can help you. What are you having the most difficult time with? What do you need? Check out this post for more information on figuring out what you truly need.
Accept help from others, but don’t take advantage. It’s important to always give and receive support. There may be times when you need more than you give, but make sure you always find ways to serve others also.
If you take more often than you give, your friends will eventually start feeling used and end up turning away from you.
What does not help?
Sometimes identifying what does not help, will help you figure out what does help. Make a list of everything that has made things more stressful or overwhelming for you. Again, use the worksheet if it helps.
How will you ask for help?
Think about the ways that you ask for help. Do you regularly ask for help? No one can read your mind. No one knows what you really want or need. You need to find a way to tell them.
At some point you need to get over your pride and ask for help. It’s important that you actually are clear about what you need in order to get the help you need.
Who can you ask for help?
Identify your needs and who can most help you with your needs. If you’re support system is lacking. Read this info on how to make new friends.
Most people truly do want to help you. Allow others to serve you. This is important for so many people to have in their life. Plus anyone who cares about you truly wants to help you.
Good luck and please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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