We aren’t always sure of the best way to help, or we are 162 afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. But your kindness can make a big difference.
When someone goes through a big life event – whether having a baby, being diagnosed with a serious illness or getting a divorce – think about ways you can help. Try not to worry about doing the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing – the gesture itself is less important than the love and thoughtfulness that comes with it. But here are some ideas to help get you started …
+ Follow up – support often floods in for someone in the short term, but make sure you check in with people a few weeks or months on
+ Cook a healthy meal and drop it over
+ Offer to pick up groceries
+ Do their school run or babysit
+ Clean their house
+ Deliver some fun – lighten the mood, laugh with them or take them out in the world
+ Demonstrate your offer to help is genuine by asking specifically what you can help with, or make suggestions. Sometimes this allows people to be more honest.
