Being a military spouse makes me a solo parent much of the time. The day care teachers have become my village.

Lauren Gumpert found a new family and support system among her kids' day care teachers.

Courtesy of Lauren Gumpert

• As a military spouse, I felt isolated, trying to parent on my own much of the time.
• I felt guilty considering daycare, but ultimately found a supportive community in the teachers there.
• Accepting help was one of the best parenting decisions I've made thus far.

By the time I gave birth to my first child, I'd heard the phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" copious times.