Being a mom can be really tough at times. Some face postpartum depression and others struggle with health issues, financial challenges, job struggles, and more. As a friend, of course you want to help, but it’s not always easy to know what to do. It’s important as a friend to support a mom when she really needs it, so here are ways to support your mom friends during a difficult time.
1. Listen
Good listeners are hard to find, and sometimes they’re what moms need most: someone to listen and care about what they’re going through.
Resist offering advice or help unless she asks. Instead, take her for a walk, sit with her while the baby is napping, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the porch or in the backyard. Then ask her to tell you how things are going and wait until she does. Many moms may be reluctant to “complain,” but if you tell her you want to know, she’ll likely open up. This is an easy (and effective way) to support your friends!
2. Offer Specific Help
Sometimes moms just need a minute to breathe. A long walk, nap, or drive may be all she requires to feel more centered and relaxed. If you want to help, offer something specific. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” say, “I’ve got a free hour. How about I watch the kids so you can go for a walk?” (Or take a nap or whatever.)
You can also make some food and take it over. Every mom loves a break from cooking! Or let her know you’re headed to the grocery store and you’d be happy to take her list with you.
3. Send a Cheerful Surprise
Who said flowers are only for romance? A colorful bouquet can brighten anyone’s day, particularly a mom who’s been wiping noses and cleaning up after toddlers.
You can send a bouquet of flowers with a cheerful, uplifting note. Even better, send a fresh fruit bouquet. You can get an Edible Arrangement treat delivered for free that includes a bouquet made with grapes, melons, pineapples, oranges, and more along with a smiley balloon. Or give her an indulgent treat with some chocolate-covered strawberries or fresh-baked cookies.
4. Send a Care Box
Whether she just had a new baby or she’s juggling three young kids, any mom loves receiving a care box. Think about what she may need right now, put it into a box and mail it or take it over.
Here are some ideas for what you can include inside:
- Nutritious smoothie packs
- Moisturizer and other skincare products (like nipple cream or a face mask)
- Romance novel or another book she may enjoy (or audiobook)
- Healthy snacks
- Fun coffee mug
- Cute water bottle
- Food delivery gift card
- Wireless headphones
- Maid service gift
- A pair of comfy slippers
- A selection of soothing teas
5. A Day Out
Sometimes moms can get so overwhelmed and absorbed in their duties that they can start to see nothing but the next crisis in front of them.
You can help by setting up an afternoon or evening out for your friend. Arrange for babysitting and then either take Mom out or make it possible for her to get away for a while. Take her to lunch, for a walk, or to a movie, or give her and her husband a gift card to a restaurant so they can get away together.
Sometimes getting away—even for a short time—can help refresh a mom’s perspective so that she feels better.
6. Get Other Moms to Share Their Struggles
Moms can feel very alone at times. Hearing that other moms have gone through similar struggles can make all the difference.
Gather your other mom friends together and arrange a lunch for your friend where you can all swap stories. Or ask your other mom friends to text the struggling mom their tips for dealing with difficult situations.
It can also be fun to arrange a certain day for everyone to send encouraging messages, either by text or through social media. Receiving positive support from multiple people can help any mom feel less alone.
7. Help with a House Project
Once kids arrive, it’s common for a lot of other things to be neglected, including the home. If there are some things around the house you or someone you know could do, it could make a big difference. Your teenage son could mow the lawn in the summer. Or your handy friend could fix a broken doorknob or leaky sink.
Taking these small things off the mom’s to-do list can help relieve stress and help her to feel supported and less isolated.
