How to Help Single Parents With College

Single parents in college often need help but may not like to ask for it.

With more adults returning to college, it's not uncommon nowadays to find single parents amongst the student population. And it's not unheard of for college-age students to be single parents. No matter the circumstances, it is difficult for most single parents to juggle parenthood, school and work, leaving them little extra time or money. This is especially true if they don't have a support system in place. Perhaps you have an acquaintance or relative who is a single parent attending college and are wondering how you can help him or her achieve their goals.

Instructions

1. Offer to babysit while the student is at class. Even one day or one class a week will allow a single parent to save money on daycare. If the student doesn't want to take up so much of your time, let him or her know that you are available to babysit in the event that the child is sick and therefore cannot attend daycare.

2. Invite the student and whole family over for dinner every so often. The money and time saved on meal preparation will be appreciated. Let the student parent know there is no need to stay and visit afterwards if there is school work waiting to be completed. Discourage the feeling of obligation.

3. Investigate to see if there are grants and scholarships available at the college your friend or relative attends. The student may not have the time to investigate, but there may be funds available for such single parents if they qualify. You may find that subsidized daycare is available.

4. Mention you have some clothing that your children or friends' children have outgrown and see if the student would like to take them. This is a delicate subject area; though most single parents would be glad to recycle gently used clothing, others may consider it charity and be too proud to accept.

5. Cook extra portions the next time you make a big meal for yourself or your family. Then freeze some extra portions in freezer-safe containers. Once you have several extra frozen dinners, drop them off at the student's house for the family to enjoy.

6. Hire a babysitter yourself and treat you and your friend to a movie and dinner. The student may not want to spend extra money on a night out, but at the same time may be very appreciative for the break.

Tips & Warnings

• You may not have funds to spare yourself and your time may also be tight, but simple things count -- and you can work them into your own schedule. If the single parent student's school is convenient to your drive to or from work, make sure they know they may call you for a ride now and then if arranged the night prior or in case of emergency. You can offer your cell or work number for such instances. Maybe on your own grocery shopping trip you can pick up something the student needs.

References

• Penn State's "The Mentor": Advising the Single-Parent College Student

Resources

• Single Dad Aid: Single Dad Help and Single Dad Wisdom From Single Dads!!
• Single Mothers For Single Moms by Choice or Chance