EMILY HAAIMA MACKECHNIE for The Parents’ Voice
There are so many times in our lives that we need a good support system. When grieving the loss of a loved one, after bringing home a new baby, while having a child with special needs, or even when life is just throwing a little more at you than you feel you can handle. One of the best ways to get through challenging times is to . . .
have some friends or family members that we can rely on to be supportive and help us through those tough times.
Sometimes we are the one who could use a helping hand and sometimes we are the one who is able to offer it to someone else. There are so many ways we could all be more supportive of one another, I’m going to list a few ideas here that might inspire you to help someone you know.
I feel like my first suggestion is something that used to be done in years past but is not something that is very common anymore. That is to make or buy food for a friend, neighbour, colleague or family member. It is a great way to show them that you care and are thinking of them and want them to be taken care of. You don’t have to be a master chef to accomplish this. It could just be some treats you baked or a freezer meal you enjoy making or even a gift card for a local restaurant that they can order takeout or delivery from. It will help ease some stress and save them some time or energy as well.
Depending on the situation, offering to babysit can be the most helpful offer a person can give. Whether it’s just for an hour so they can nap or get something done around the house or for an overnight so they can get a good night’s sleep or just relax or go out and do something fun (when able). This can be most helpful for someone who just had a baby (offering to babysit older children or watching the baby so they can get a nap in.) Or for someone who has a special needs child so they can get a little break to feel like they are human again. There aren’t many parents out there who could honestly say they don’t feel like they need a break.
Being an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on is often what people need most. Letting a friend vent to you about some of their problems or issues can be a serious relief for them. Whether it is to offer advice or just be there for them it will help them immensely. Even doing a little check in now and then when you know someone is a little down can make a world of difference. A quick text or message or a little thinking of you card sent in the mail. I love getting cards in the mail. It is so personal and really shows they care for you.
The COVID-19 pandemic sure did throw a wrench into so many people’s lives. It’s also a good opportunity to show someone you care.
If you know of a local, small business that has had a loss of customers or has had to be shut down often, this is a good time to give them your support. You can shop there while they are open, do curbside pick up if they aren’t open (hopefully that doesn’t happen anymore, but just in case) or even if what they sell isn’t something you require right now buying a gift card for a purchase later on can be really helpful for them.
It’s also a great time to check in on your elderly neighbours. See if there are any supplies they need when you are already planning a shopping trip, or see if they need anything done, or possibly a phone call just to give them some company if they are living alone can offer them some comfort and company.
We have to remember that even when people may seem or look like they are doing fine, we have no idea what they are struggling with inside. Being kinder to strangers and familiar people is always a good policy to live by. I try to say hello or smile at everyone I come across, the worst thing that will happen is they won’t return it and it is still no harm done, at least you tried. You have no idea the impact a simple smile can have.
Any one of these things may not seem like a very big deal to you, but for someone who is struggling it can be the most grand gesture they have ever received. It will help them feel a little better and I promise you it will help you feel a lot better too.
