Hey there, everyone! My name is Jessica and I am not a single parent but a nanny that works for a single parent. I am in a one year contract but at the end of that contract, I would like to start my own business as a "Single Parent Helper". This position would help single parents in that I would manage schedules (both parent's and children's), research and provide resources (such as forums, groups, and info on problems such potty-training, etc.) and generally organize life for parent and child.
I recognize that one of the hardest things with being a single parent is organization. Often times picture day or parent-teacher conferences are overlooked because of the hub-bub of every day. Doing simple things such as scheduling doctor's appointments, conferences, finding chilcare, etc. can be things that pull you away from having time to spend with your child. This is where I would come in.
My question is, what do you all think of this idea? Would it be a help? Would it be something valuable enough to the single-parent community to be able to sell? Thanks for your responses and consideration!

I think a lot of single parents are somewhat tight on cash, so paying someone to make appointments and keeping a schedule might not be a luxury they could afford. But, I know one area that you could be assisting single parents that is definitely a need! Sick child care! A lot of single parents have a hard time getting time off from work or school to pick up a sick child from school or daycare and then stay home with them. I'm willing to bet you would be working quite a bit, and could charge a good amount. If you are familiar with some local daycare operators you might work out an arrangement with them so you could advertise there.

Well, it sounds like a good idea, but like mentioned, single parents are short on cash. You may end up getting alot of unpaid for services in the end.

How about becomeing a single parent success coach helping them learn to budget, reduce debt, and double their income. Then you can open a second business helping them with organization and time.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by B's Momma:
But, I know one area that you could be assisting single parents that is definitely a need! Sick child care! QUOTE]

I second that!

Sounds like a good idea but you may want to look into funding of some sort. Charity? As everyone's said, money is often an issue but I wouldn't close the book on this idea just yet. You would have to do a lot of marketing and see how you can involve the city/town in helping with these fees. Think creatively and ask all the right people. Start up a non-profit organization and put yourself out there. Start with a local community center .. I'm not sure how but do some research.

Miss Jess, you could be onto something there.

Opening up a non profit organization, in combination with a charity and linking the two, that way teh charity can receive and donate money and support the non profit organization. At least I think that is how it works here in Canada. When i wanted to open up mine as a non profit, because the government controlled alot of income, but we were allowed to accept so much in charity, linking the two was the only loophole to get around the government penalizing through cutbacks. So not a bad idea.