When fellow moms ask for a hand, I try to say “yes” as much as possible. I consider it Mom Karma. I may never ask that particular friend to return the favor, but I know there will come a time when I’ll need help, and I like to think the Universe will reward past kindnesses by putting a willing soul in my path. Because we all know what it’s like to feel panicked about scheduling, to wonder how you’re going to make that unexpected late day work when there’s nobody else at home to care for your children. Those of us who don’t have family nearby suffer the most. We can’t just call Grandma to chauffeur or run to the house and pop a pizza in the oven. Sometimes we have to rely on the grace of others, and sometimes we have to ask even when we know the other person would probably rather not be looking after someone else’s child.