Dear Sandra

MY CHILDREN AND DHS
Dear Sandra, I am a single mother with four children. Lately, I’ve gotten into a lot of trouble with the Department of Human Services (DHS) because they want to take them away from me. They are exaggerating the situation, and I am not as bad a mother as they believe. I always spend my time working to be able to pay the house utilities. I have two jobs. Sometimes, I have very little time to take care of my children, but I do try to give them what they need. The neighbor was the one who called them one day when I fell asleep, and one of the little ones couldn’t stop crying. They want to take them from me to give them to someone else who will take better care of them than me. Advise me because, despite everything I do, it is only for them.

ANSWER
Friend, I know you have a hefty burden. Being a single mother is not easy at all; even having a husband or fewer children is tough. You have to sit down and meditate on what you are doing with your life. The little ones should always be your priority before worrying about any other material goal. You have to leave one of your two jobs and choose the one that generates more income to support your family. In addition to providing material things for your children, you must provide moral and spiritual things that are equally important. Spend time with them to get to know them better and teach them. Your financial situation will be a little more complicated, but now you will be the one who will resort to using funds from government programs. I think that you would qualify for public assistance, and that way, that same department will not interfere in your life. Make wise decisions, remember that everything in life is a learning process, and don’t get discouraged.