The Second Phone Call Saves the Day

Zack (all family names have been changed) is a single dad. He works and goes to school part-time. His schedule is fine-tuned. Child care, class, work. If one part of the equation fails, his stress level escalates.

A phone call set off a crisis.

David, Zach’s son was acting up in daycare. Standing too close to other kids – shoving, sometimes hitting. It had to stop, or David was out of the program, which meant Zack’s carefully planned days would go up in flames.

Googling for answers just caused him more stress – until he found the Family Help Line and made a call of his own.

“David’s my only kid. He’s two. Is there something wrong with him? Or is it me? Am I doing something wrong? I don’t know how to help him. He’s got to stay in childcare – there’s no other way for us to stay afloat.”

call the FHL Zach storyOur Family Help Line Coach heard him. She reassured Zack that David’s behavior was something he could work on right now, at home. They talked through a plan with activities that Zack could fit into daily life. Activities to help David improve his behavior.

Your support of the Family Help Line made all the difference for Zack.

Now he has a plan for his son, and a lot less anxiety. And he feels comfortable asking for more support.

Our Coach emailed Zack a list of subsidized day care resources so he could get started looking for alternatives that might work better for David and for the family budget.

The Family Help Line is a resource every parent should know about.

Can you help us get the word out? Share this article and spread the phone number around. Do it for dads like Zack – and for kids like David.

Call us +1 (800) 932-HOPE (4673)

  • You will hear a brief instruction message.
  • Press 2 if you would like to speak with or leave a message for one of our Family Help Line Coaches.

Email us: familyhelpline@parenttrust.org

For more info, including our online resource database and 24-hour Parent Information Line FHL Info >>

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