[thesearchguru]

We have friends whose only daughter hopefully plans to become a single mom to a biological child sometime next year. Unfortunately, the first time grandparents-to-be live 1000 miles from their daughter. However, their daughter does have a large group of supportive friends in the same city where she lives.

The grandparents-to-be live in a small community with few employment opportunities so it would not be possible for their daughter to move closer to them so that her child would have the benefit of extended family nearby. The retired grandparents-to-be cannot afford to move to their daughter's area which has one of the most expensive housing areas in the United States. As a single parent/single wage earner their daughter will need to return to work after a three month maternity leave.

Do you have any suggestions that might work in this situation to help their daughter through the the first year of motherhood as a single parent?

Thanks for any suggestions,
Colleen Buckner

[nancynic]

Hi,

It's great that the mom to be has a supportive network where she is currently living.

Technology is a way to keep in touch which is very effective and can be a great support. My parents are in their 80's. My mom was always a great letter writer and she could fit more news on a postcard than anyone else I know! A couple of years ago, I encouraged her to check out email but she was intimidated by computers. She did purchase WebTV and we keep in touch every day via email. Now, she says she wishes all her friends had it so she could keep in touch with them too.

So, keeping in touch is really important whether by phone, email, regular mail and of course with visits when possible. Moral and emotional support can make so much difference to people - feeling connected to people who care helps so much.

I'd love to hear suggestions from others too.

NancyNic