Re: How do you cope ?
JB, afterschool programs and short term nanny services are the ones that are most in your control without seeking others help.
but if you want to reach out and seek help from others, other kids parents can be the best option for the school situation.
for medical emergency situations, I would say talk to local police, community resources and the muslim/pakistani community ppl, masjid etc.
people are more than willing to help, but never get asked. if one of my nieghbours or someone even a couple minutes drive was in such a need and all he needed whas someone who can come and sleep on the couch while the dude takes his wife to teh doc, i will gladly do it.
even talk to ppl from your previous city social circle, someone's brother, sister, cousin etc may be in your area. this way u have a better idea of the people.
but be careful, no matter who it is, in the end its a stranger.