To find out how big your circle of help is and expand it, if necessary:  Make two lists.

1. One list is your “in-the-circle” list.  These are people you know care for you and that you already feel comfortable calling upon when you need specific types of help or just need someone to talk to.
2. The second list is your “add-to-the-circle” list. On this list put some names of new people that you would like to add to your circle of support – because you have great respect for them or because you like them and you think the feeling is mutual.

Make a plan to spend more time with one of the persons on your second list. Get to know that person and be open and real with them, so they begin to understand and relate to you.

After awhile, ask yourself whether that person would be comfortable asking you for help and  whether you would be comfortable going to them for help if needed. If so, add that person to your in-the-circle list and celebrate. Then, reach out to another new person on your add list.

The larger your circle of help, the better care you will be able to offer yourself and your children.