COLORADO SPRINGS — Parenting is definitely no easy task, especially now that families are at home. For single parents, you have to be mom and dad all under the same roof.
Dominque Mundt lives in Pueblo with her 1-year-old daughter. Mundt says she loves staying busy!
"Entertaining her is so hard when you're at home," Mundt explained.
Before the spread of COVID-19. Mundt didn't have a problem keeping her daughter occupied. She says they belonged to clubs like the YMCA, and other supportive and educational groups.
"Now all of that has just been taken away," she said.
Her circle was growing smaller and smaller. She said even a trip to the grocery store was uncomfortable.
"On Facebook, there's a bunch of stuff on the stay-at-home order, don't go to the store. People are harping on parents bringing their kids to the store."
Mundt says she wishes people could just be a little understanding. Single parents often don't have the resources that two-parent households have.
"When I'm there I try to go as fast as possible, and I can feel all these eyes on me. I remember when she coughed and I was just like gosh, I hope people don't through eggs at us or something."
Not eggs, but Mundt says she has gotten dirty looks because people don't understand. Single parents don't often have a choice when it comes to childcare.
Mundt, not only a single mom and veteran, but a woman of action. She saw a need and started a group on Facebook.
"Friendly Harbor in Pueblo has a program called 'Circle of Parents.' We are offering a variety of groups on zoom from mindfulness to anxiety, to depression, just to help people feel connected."
It's one of the many resources offered through the friendly harbor, a nonprofit group that helps people cope with mental health and substance abuse issues.
"We want to support those who may not have a mental health issue, but maybe they are developing some depression and anxiety, because of this COVID-19 thing," said Laura Lisonbee, director of Mentor 2 success, at the Friendly Harbor.
For more information on the Friendly Harbor and other resources they offer, click here. You can even call their warm-line service at 719-621-7815.
