Lately in the news there are frequent reports of children being exploited when left with an acquaintance of the child's mother. Even worse is when the child is abused, severely injured or ends up dead. As a single mother raising two young children after a divorce I understand the difficulties of finding reliable care and help for infants and toddlers. Many times in cases of divorce friends suddenly disappear and are unavailable to assist when help is needed. Depending on your relationship with your ex, you might be able to call him or her for help.

This is especially true in times of illness or emergencies or when family members do not live in the same state or within a reasonable driving distance.
However, there are resources available in larger communities like the Saint Louis Metro area. These resources may range from help finding money for medicine or food, arraigning transportation to and from doctors’ appointments, and transportation to and from school and home.

In the Saint Louis Missouri area one well-known resource is the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery provides assistance to parents who are overwhelmed, experiencing a crisis, or illness. The illness may be that of the primary parent or a child. According to their website, The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and provides emergency intervention, respite care and support to families in crisis.”

The following services are provided by the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery as listed on the website. Saint Louis Crisis nursery provides “short-term care for young children in a safe and nurturing environment, helping families resolve crisis, offering resources for empowerment, ongoing support and parent education, community outreach and awareness, and advocacy for children and families. There is a 24-Hour Helpline to call for additional information and to arrange care for your child if needed. The number is 314-768-3201.

Before leaving a child with a new boyfriend or friend please consider using a reliable resource like the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. It is dangerous and reckless to leave a young child alone with a man you just met and hardly know. Regardless that you may believe in him and feel you now he would never hurt your child consider the fact he has no children and this likely means he has no experience with young children who are very active and often require extensive care.

With my own children I know how quickly it can become a frustrating and challenging time when I am the sole parent, and I have a vested interest in them. A fly by night guy you brought home from a bar or a date, has no clue how to take care of a young child. Essentially, he has no real vested interest in the child’s wellbeing and if he has an undisclosed anger issue it may be the last time you see your child alive and healthy. Can you live with that decision?