This post is by our regular contributor, Kristi.
This is a sponsored post. I am a Shop Your Way blogger, but all opinions are my own.
I’m a parent to two great kids. While I try to brave the world of parenting with a mask knowledge, confidence, and grace, the truth is that I am just flying by the seat of my pants.
I don’t always know what to do or how to fix a situation. And that is a terrifying element of being a parent, feeling like your best isn’t good enough.
I wholeheartedly agree with the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” Unfortunately, I don’t have a village to help me raise my two kids. There have been times where I desperately wished that I had someone I could turn to for help, advice, encouragement, or guidance.
Our nearest relatives are three hours away, and any time spent with family has to be planned out weeks or months in advance. I know one or two of my neighbors fairly well, but they’re busy with their own kids and schedules.
Raising kids is the hardest job I have ever had. It’s not a 9-5 job either. Those little people need you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. There are no vacations from parenthood.
As a parent, you do your best for your kids, but sometimes your best isn’t good enough. Sometimes you really do need a village. So what happens if you don’t have any neighbors or relatives to turn to?
When my kids are sick and I can’t get a hold of the doctor, I wish I had someone to call and ask for help. When my child struggles academically, I wish I had advice on what to do to help them. Now I do.
Introducing Parent Pal
Parent Pal is an amazing free service of the Shop Your Way website. It is a website that offers real-time, personalized guidance and advice on topics and products related to raising children.
If you have any questions at all regarding kids, you can submit a question and have a response in minutes. Parent Pals are the experienced moms and dads that will answer your questions.
They draw from personal experience, best-practice guides, recent research, and top parent communities to provide actionable parenting tips and product suggestions intended to make every parent’s life easier.
If you’re a Shop Your Way member, Parent Pal will direct you to relevant products that could help you with your child-raising needs.
How to use it
To ask a question, simply submit your question or text your question to 208-4-ADVICE (208) 423-8423
How long does a response take?
Someone from Parent Pal will respond to your question via text or email within 10 minutes during business hours, and within 24 hours if you reach out to them after business hours or on the weekend.
How Parent Pal helped me
I have been significantly worried about my son’s speech development. None of my friends, family, or relatives have gone through anything similar to this, so even if they did live close, they wouldn’t be able to help me.
I have been doing everything within my power to encourage my son to speak more. I have tried everything from traditional books to education apps.
Working with a word book
Word apps on the iPad
I needed to try something new.
So, I reached out to Parent Pal using their “ask a question” button. My question was this:
“I’m worried that my son has a significant speech delay. He will be two in February, but he only says a handful of words. What should I do to encourage him to speak? At what point should I take him to see a speech therapist?”
She responded with compassion and understanding
“We actually had a similar situation with my son when he was about that age.”
She gave solid, actionable advice
“Schedule a consultation with your son’s pediatrician. If he finds reason for concern, he can put you in touch with your state’s Birth to Three program who will provide you with speech therapy services if needed. The services are free to those who qualify financially and prorated based on income, so they are not as expensive as a private therapist. Once a child turns three, if services are still needed the local school district takes over at no cost.”
She didn’t try to sell me anything
“I hesitate to point you toward any products or services without knowing what is causing a possible delay or even if there is one.”
She made me feel better
“Speech issues are no reflection of intelligence or any kind of predictor about success or difficulty in school, so try not to worry! Your pediatrician will let you know if they see an issue. If you don’t agree with their assessment, you can always seek another opinion or contact B to 3 on your own.”
It felt like talking to an old friend
“Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any other questions – I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all!”
Why you should use Parent Pal too
I’m still concerned about my son, but I feel better now that I have a plan. Parent Pal helped point me in the right direction, and it gave me access to the resources I will need to effectively help my son.
My favorite part of the whole experience was that not once did I feel like I was a burden, a number, or talking to an automated response robot. Parent Pal offers real advice, parent to parent.
For those parents like me out there, who don’t have access to a “village” Parent Pal fills in that gap and gives you access to experienced, knowledgeable moms and dads that will take the time to help answer your questions, put you at ease, and direct you to the resources you need. Parent Pal is going right into my parenting toolbox. I would definitely recommend their services to other parenting friends.
Even if you don’t have kids, you can use this Shop Your Way tool to ask questions about your nieces or nephews, cousins, or younger siblings. Nannies and babysitters also could really benefit from using Parent Pal.
Parenting does have to feel like you’re wandering through a maze, not knowing which direction to turn.
If you have any questions about your kids, someone else’s kids, or parenting, in general, reach out to a Parent Pal.
Check out Parent Pal today!
Is Parent Pal something you would consider using? What has been your biggest challenge as a parent?
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