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The best tip to finding support as a single parent, is learning to ask for it. In our society we are taught to be strong and independent. We pride ourselves on working a full time job, assisting at the PTA, and raising intelligent grounded children without batting an eyelash. Sometimes, it's ok to admit that we are struggling. It takes strength and grace to ask for help, and most people are more than happy to assist.

YOUR EX:
The first place to ask for help, is sometimes the last place we turn...our exes. Although our relationship took a turn for the worse, hopefully you have united in the fight to make sure your children grow up healthy, strong and moral. Asking your ex to help out an extra day of the week, or help buy the kid's new school clothes isn't admitting defeat. If you can't help out with PTA this month, maybe they can. Assuming they will brush you off is unfair. Maybe you aren't married, but you do hopefully have your kid's best interest at heart.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
Asking friends and family for a little extra help is always a good idea. If you know you will need a help next week call your parents and schedule an afternoon at grandma and grandpas. The key, is to do everything you can in advance. People are much more accommodating when they don't feel like you are taking advantage of them last minute. Call your sister and see if her kids and yours would like to schedule a weekly play date and switch on and off so you both have a weekend morning free to run errands.

SUPPORT GROUP:
Support groups exists for all walks of life, and single parents are one of them. Check your yellow pages, or online to see a listing of groups. If there is not a group that meets your expectations, consider starting one of your own.

CHURCH:
If you are part of a religious community, ask for help. God says "ask and ye shall receive." Church groups usually have outreach programs to help people. If you are struggling financially, churches can sometimes assist with bills, food, or childcare costs. See if your church has a nursery program during the week, prices are usually less than other facilities. Most churches also have bible studies, womens and mens studies, and singles groups to help people deal with their struggles. Your priest or religious leader will have at least some training to help direct people and discuss decision making.

GOVERNMENT OR CHARITABLE PROGRAMS:
If you are struggling financially, realize that hundreds of thousands of other single parents suffer the same fate.

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