Published May 1, 2023
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re a parent. And even though that might sound like it’s just one job, it’s really more like a thousand. Because in the eyes of our children, we’re mentors, motivational speakers, and life coaches. We’re chefs and chauffeurs, providers and disciplinarians. Simply put, we’re their everything. And as rewarding as that can be, sometimes we could all use a little bit of help. So, this article lays out a few great Indianapolis-based parenting resources that are here to support you along the way.
General Resources
If you haven’t checked out Indy’s Child and Indy with Kids yet, you’ll want to do so ASAP. They both cast a wide net in the best possible way—they have the scoop on handy things like free events, day trips, summer camps, and kids-eat-free nights at local restaurants. And in addition to the fun stuff, they’re also great resources for special needs, mental health, and pediatric health.
Childcare
One of the hardest parts about parenting is that—on top of everything else—you still need to manage your own life. But when you’re juggling all of your commitments, like work, appointments, and (gasp!) a social life, who’s looking after your kids? Are you supposed to pay for childcare every single time? And with how expensive that’s getting, how is anyone supposed to afford that? If you need a hand with childcare, here are two organizations that might be able to help:
After-School Programs
If you’re like most parents, when the school-bell rings, you’re probably still at work or dealing with a number of other obligations. Your life simply doesn’t stop when school does. That’s where after-school programs come in. These programs provide a safe and structured environment for your kids to hang out after school. They’re a great way to keep your kids out of trouble, and many of these programs can be really educational. Most schools offer programs and activities of their own, so if you’re interested in learning more, talk to your child’s teachers and administrators. And be sure to check out The Department of Education’s website here.
Medical Resources
Maybe your kids get health insurance through your job. Or maybe they get it through your partner’s job. But if not, health insurance is getting pretty expensive. In fact, for a lot of people, it’s completely out of reach. So, if you’re struggling to pay for this important coverage, look into Hoosier Healthwise, which is Indiana’s form of Medicaid. While not everyone qualifies, this is definitely worth looking into, as it can pave the way to dental care, doctor’s visits, and more.
Mentorship
The world can be a busy place. And at times, it can also be a pretty lonely one. Have you heard of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program? This is a nationwide program that pairs your child with a mentor from your community. Once or twice per month, your child meets up with their “big” and spends a little quality time together. The nature of that time is always subject to your comfort and approval. But if your child is having trouble making friends, or they simply feel alone, it might be worth checking out.
Academic Support
Our staff is extremely qualified, and your child’s education is in very capable hands. But in keeping with the theme of this article, sometimes, we all need a little bit of help. So, if your child needs extra help with their schoolwork, the Department of Education might be able to lend a hand. They offer a grant program that puts your child in touch with a tutor who can help with math, English, and more. You’ll always want to start by reaching out to your child’s teachers. But if it’s time for a new approach, click here to learn more.
Help With the Essentials
We’re living in some crazy financial times. If money is tight and you’re having trouble keeping up—first of all, you’re not alone. But also, United Way might be able to help you connect the dots. They’ve been doing some great humanitarian work over the years and might be able to help with some of the basic necessities. They’re connecting people with everything from housing, to food, to transportation. Check out their website for details. We all need a helping hand sometimes, and United Way is here for countless people just like you.
When it comes to parenting, there’s plenty of support available. You just need to know where to look. So, whether your child needs help with academics, mentorship, or basic essentials, this article is just the tip of the iceberg. It really does take a village to raise a child. And thanks to these great resources, you’re never truly on your own.
Tags: Indianapolis kids, Indianapolis parenting, Indianapolis resources, parenting resources, parenting tips