8 Ways to Support a Single Mother in Your Life
Mother’s Day: for many moms, this holiday is celebrated with breakfast in bed, flowers, gifts, and a day of rest. But for single moms like myself, it is often just another ordinary day filled with dirty dishes, laundry, cooking meals, stopping fights, and cold coffee.
To the single mom reading this, I see you and I understand you. I know you are tired and the weight and demands of this season of life can be overwhelming. We wear many hats, play many roles, and put out many fires throughout our days. Our tasks and responsibilities seem endless, and at the end of the day, when exhaustion has set in, we often wonder if we are doing this “mom thing” right. But lean in, single moms: I want you to know you are doing the best you can, and it’s enough. You are enough.
For those of you who are not single moms, you likely know one.
Here are 8 practical ways you can come alongside and honor a single mom on Mother’s Day and beyond.
1. Offer to watch her kids.
Many single moms don’t have help from their kids’ father, which can be hard because she doesn’t ever get a break. Offering to watch her kids for a few hours allows her time to rest, go to the store alone, go for a walk, etc.
2. Mow her grass (or shovel her snow).
When my boys were little and I had to mow my backyard, it was difficult because my yard was on an incline and I had to wear cleats to not fall. Also, shoveling heavy snow was hard on my back. One time a neighbor shoveled my snow without asking and I wept as I had been sick and I was overcome with gratitude.
3. Bring her a meal.
Single moms are often rushing from work to get dinner, activities, homework, and baths done all by themselves. Taking a meal for her allows extra time in her evening and makes things less stressful. (Check out More Than a Meal’s giveback opportunity on the Mother’s Day webpage.)
4. Help with rides for her kids.
When a single mom has multiple kids, taking them to and from activities can be a challenge. Helping her with rides to and from school or activities can be so helpful!
5. Fund counseling.
Single moms and their kids have often gone through some type of grief, loss, or trauma. Many can’t afford therapy which is an important resource to help them heal.
6. Ask her how she’s doing.
She has many emotionally hard and draining days. Talk to her and seek to understand her. A word of encouragement and a hug will truly lift her spirits.
7. Write her a handwritten note.
She can be so hard on herself. She needs to know that she’s doing a good job. Write her a note with a Starbucks gift card telling her that she is an amazing mom and you care about her. It will make her feel loved and valued.
8. Donate to The Single Mom KC.
We know not everyone has the time or ability to give back in the above ways, but many still want to help. The Single Mom KC is an expert in creating spaces that increase well-being for single moms and their children. Donating to The Single Mom KC this Mother’s Day ensures more single moms across the KC metro get access to the support and resources they need.
