Need Advice on care for infant

[AnotherTouchOfWhimsy]

Originally Posted by ContraPagan

Absolutely I would. Children need, and have a right, to have BOTH parents involved in their upbringing and putting that child as their Priority #1 over everything else in their life. Only good reason for absence is if one has passed away, everything else is just an excuse.

Excuse or not, it really doesn't matter... if the mom took off for whatever reason, that's just the current reality. The dad could cry in the corner because his child won't have the benefit of both parents, but it's better for him to just deal with the reality and take care of his child. While having two involved parents is the ideal situation, if mom is an addict or abusive or too immature to deal with being a mother, then that situation is not going to happen and one responsible parent is the next best scenario.

[hunterseat]

Daycare. Let's focus on daycare.
First, the OP is probably NOT the parent so they might not be aware of updates in circumstances. (or he may be the father and just wants to be hypothetical)
1. Be cautious who you leave your child with. Might seem like a no-brainer but I had a sitter once who was awful. And I've known of others. Just be cautious. Sometimes there are senior citizens who run small day cares out of their homes and can be flexible and affordable. Ask around about that but BE CAUTIOUS.
2. See if the employer has any employee benefits that would provide some kind of counseling or advise. Sometimes employers pay good money for these and the benefits are seldom used.
3. Poke around the city/county/state systems and see what's out there HOWEVER be cautious about getting put into the system. You may be at risk for unwanted attention. If you're doing the best you can and put your child first, some government idiot might make life hell for you. On the other hand, there are some localities that have GREAT assistance for you.
4. This just came to me. Sounds crazy but it was a thought so... Call some of the shelters that admit battered single moms. They should have some great resources. Explain the situation completely. They will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Above all, protect and take care of that baby! Sounds like you are so kudos. The world isn't exactly in your corner but you can do it. Many dads do. The kiddo needs you, please always be there.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by saibot

Honestly, if the OP was asking on behalf of a friend who was a single mother, would everyone be saying "Where's the dad? Where's the dad?" I couldn't agree more than children ideally should have two parents, but there seems to be a bit of a double standard going on here.

I was thinking the same thing. SO much pressure on women...