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How Single-Moms-to-Be Can Prepare for Parenthood

Here are tips to evaluate your current situation and to decide what steps to take next.

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Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! You’re probably excited about the many glorious years ahead as you love and raise your child. However, as a single mother, you likely have some apprehension and that’s completely normal. The best thing you can do is make the proper plans and preparations now so you can be ready when the time comes. We know the importance of a strong mother-child relationship, so we have some tips on how you can bring your baby into a happy home as a single mother.

Here are tips from Emily Graham, founder of the support website Mighty Moms, to evaluate your current situation and to decide what steps to take next.

Stock Up on Supplies

As soon as your child is born, your hands will be full for the foreseeable future, so it’s a good idea to get your affairs in order and get your supplies bought and ready to go. You’ll need to get plenty of diapers, wipes, and a comfortable bassinet where your child can sleep and get the rest they need to grow big and strong. As a pro tip, consider setting up a recurring order with Amazon, so diapers and wipes will be continuously sent to your house. It’s very convenient, especially since you may not always have time to go to the store.

Know Your Rights

If the baby’s father is still in the picture then you’ll want to keep them involved but you should also know your rights as far as custody and child support. If you ever have questions about your rights or you are having trouble getting what you deserve, then you need to contact an attorney. For instance, as a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, AllynMarie Smedley, Esq. can be the strong advocate you need to settle any child custody or child support disputes so you can make your life as easy and comfortable as possible.

Get Help Lined Up

Even though you’re a strong woman, everyone needs help from time to time, so it’s a smart idea to talk to your family and friends before the baby is born and ask if they can help with babysitting or going on runs to the grocery store when necessary. They’ll likely be thrilled to help you out and you can return the favor for them in the future.

When searching for support, it may also be a good idea to move closer to your family so you always have someone nearby when you need them. You may also need to move if you want to get your child into a better school district. 

If you’re still pregnant, then you’ll want to make the process as easy as possible by hiring professional movers, especially if you have a lot of heavy items. By bringing in qualified furniture movers, you can rest assured that all of your property will be moved without getting lost or damaged. Before hiring a moving company, make sure to do your research and check customer reviews. Then, look at prices. If you can find a company that has a good reputation and fits in your price range, then you’ll be in good shape.

Make Your Life Easier

Once your child is born, you aren’t going to have a lot of alone time, at least at first. Knowing that, you should take steps to revise your routine so you don’t get easily stressed. For instance, you should plan to make simple meals for lunch and dinner. Meals like soup, stew, and casseroles can be cooked quickly and will allow you to keep an eye on your baby. 

However, keep in mind that even though you will need to make sacrifices, you should not completely give up on the things that you love to do. So, if you love reading or drawing, then engage in those hobbies when your baby is sleeping. Creating a healthy balance is key and you will be happier because of it.

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to make parenthood easier, even if you’re doing it on your own. Try the tips above and have a happy child and a happy life. If you have more questions about child custody, contact Smedley Law Group today.

About Emily Graham

Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms, from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. Contact: emilygraham@mightymoms.net.

Contact the Experienced Family Law Attorneys at Smedley Law Group in Marlton, NJ Today

If you’re facing a divorce that includes child custody or child support issues, the New Jersey family law attorneys at Smedley Law Group represent clients throughout the state, including West Deptford, Woodbury Heights, Runnemede, and Westville. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 251-0800 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 750 Cooper Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you’re seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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