How to Support a Single Mother

Last Updated: August 25, 2021

Simple acts of kindness and support can make a really big difference in the life of a single mother. If you know a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance raising children on their own, we’ve got you covered. Here are some easy, thoughtful ways you can lend a hand!

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Babysit her kids.

0

7

1
Encourage her to enjoy a fun night out. Being a single mom is really demanding, and she probably doesn’t get much time to herself. Offer to watch her kids for a night, so she can let loose and have fun on her own.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- During COVID-19, you might babysit her children outdoors.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Carpool with her kids.

0

8

1
Offer to drive her kids to school and their extra activities. A simple car ride can make a single mom’s life a lot easier, and give her one less thing to worry about.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You could also offer to run errands for her, like returning her library books.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Prepare a meal.

0

1

1
A simple meal or 2 can make a big difference. Whip up a quick, easy, dish, like lasagna or spaghetti, and drop it off at her home. A single mom juggles a lot each day, and a home-cooked meal gives her one less thing to worry about.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- During COVID-19, you might order food delivery to her home instead.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Do a grocery run.

0

8

1
Grocery runs can add a lot of stress to a single mother’s schedule. If you have some free time, pick up a few bags of groceries and drop them off at her doorstep. She’ll be really touched by your generosity, and have 1 less thing to worry about that week.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- During COVID-19, you might prefer shipping a grocery order to her home instead.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Help with yard or house work.

0

1

1
Watering flowers, moving the lawn, and doing basic housework can be a big help. See what’s on her “to-do” list for the day or week and offer some assistance. Clearing even a few tasks off her mental checklist can be a huge help.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You might offer to clean her kitchen, rake the leaves, or pull some weeds.

Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Ask to do her laundry.

0

10

1
Check off a big task from her to-do list. Offer to pick up her and her children’s laundry from their home. Then, launder it in your own washer and dryer. Once all the clothes are nice and clean, drop them back off at her place.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Donate any old toys and clothes.

0

5

1
Go through some clothes and toys that your kids don’t use anymore. If you have children of your own, there’s a good chance that you have some hand-me-downs and unused toys lying around your home. Give these goodies new life by handing them to a single mother with younger children.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Send over small gifts.

0

10

1
Cards, sweet treats, and little gifts can really show that you care. Whip up a batch of cookies in your free time, or mail her an encouraging card. As a special pick-me-up, you could even send her a gift card to her favorite store or restaurant. Small acts of kindness can make a really big difference!^{[10]
X
Research source}

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Offer a listening ear.

0

6

1
Check in with her frequently to see how she’s doing. Let her share her struggles and concerns with you, and offer as much advice and encouragement as you can. Above all, remind her that you’re always there for her and her family if she ever needs anything.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Invite her over for the holidays.

0

9

1
The holidays can be a stressful time for a single mother. Make her holiday season a little merrier by inviting her and her children over for an upbeat holiday gathering. ^{[12]
X
Research source}
- You might invite her and her kids over for Thanksgiving dinner, or invite them over for New Year’s Eve.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Offer support in emergencies.

0

4

1
Remind her that she can call you anytime. If there’s any kind of emergency, encourage her to call you for help, even if it’s the middle of the night. Having an extra support system in a time of crisis can be an immense help.^{[13]
X
Research source}