Ways to Support

DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

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9 WAYS TO SUPPORT A FAMILY IN NEED By Sarah Lyons

When a friend is struggling through a difficult time, it is natural to want to lend a hand. Often the families that need the most help are reluctant to ask for it, which makes it hard to know exactly how to help a friend. Here’s nine ideas to show your support:

Bring a Meal This is an age-old idea. When a parent is not able to cook a meal for their family as usual, friends and family often send versatile casseroles like lasagna. Try thinking outside the 13x9 pan. Why not bring the family the fixings for breakfast and lunch rather than just dinner? Stock the freezer with easy, ready to make items like pizza, pasta dishes, soups and crock pot meals. Then the family can pull something out of the freezer when they are not up for cooking.

Set up a meal train When one meal just doesn’t cover it, set up a meal train using websites like www.signupgenius.com or www.takethemameal.com . Discuss with the family the most convenient dates and times to deliver meals and solicit friends to fill all the open spots. Social media is a great place to recruit people you might not think to ask.

Offer to Babysit Show support by offering to babysit, even if it’s just for a couple hours. (Be sure you have the right skills if the child has special needs.) If you are taking your own children to the park, swing by and pick up their children for the afternoon. Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help for a family that is dealing with change.

Help with Pets Kids aren’t the only family members that need attention. If the family is making trips to the doctor or hospital, offer to feed the cat or walk the dog while they are out. This will help ease the mind of the family and give them peace of mind while they focus on what is important. Clean the House Sweep the floor, change laundry loads, vacuum, do dishes, or fold some laundry. Even a little bit of picking up can make a big difference. A clean house during chaos can bring some much-needed peace during a chaotic time.

Run Errands If you are on your way to the store anyway, why not send a quick text and ask if the family needs anything - toilet paper, diapers, or snacks? Does mom want a coffee or some lunch? Many grocery stores offer drive through pick up these days. Have the family order and pay for groceries online, then pick them up and deliver them. Offering to help put them away would be an extra bonus. Leave a Surprise on the Doorstep If the family is not up for visitors, leave a surprise on the doorstep for them. You can create a care package with special treats, magazines, snacks, and a card. A delivery of flowers is another great way to cheer them up without interrupting family time.

Take Food to the Hospital It is common knowledge that hospital food is not gourmet. If someone is in the hospital supporting a family member, offer to deliver food to them. Bring homemade meals for them to warm up later or offer to sit at their loved one’s bedside while they take a walk and get some fresh air.

Listen Sometimes a long talk is very therapeutic. When you visit, listen attentively and offer your support. Call and check on them, even if you just leave a voicemail. In these times of texts and emails, receiving a phone call shows you will go the extra mile to support a friend. However, even an email or text shows you are offering support while leaving it in their hands to respond when the time is right. When a family is walking through a difficult time it may be hard for them to ask for help or even recognize what would be helpful. These ideas are sure to make any family feel supported and loved.

Sarah Lyons writes from her home in suburban Kansas City. After the birth of her triplets, family and friends showed their loving support for many months. She will forever be grateful and now enjoys helping others even more.

We believe that all children have limitless potential!

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is part of Alabama’s Early Intervention System, providing services free of charge to children age birth to 3 years with a developmental delay or eligible diagnosis. By providing services and support to families, babies and toddlers in the Early Intervention program are getting the bright beginning they deserve. Through our statewide network of regional centers, we provide services in settings where natural learning opportunities occur—in the home, at daycare, at the park, and other appropriate settings in the community.

Visit www.aidb.org/regionalcenters to find a regional center near you.

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