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Mother's Day is right around the corner. 

There are approximately 14 million single parents in the United States. Of those 14 million, 84% are moms.

Being a single parent is an incredible balancing act. Everyday, we are stretched emotionally, physically and mentally. Many times, single moms go unrecognized. We quietly go about our day with tremendous burdens resting heavily on our shoulders. What I consistently hear from people, who are unaware of the plight of single parents, is they simply don't know how to help. And that's probably very true. I was a married stay-at-home-mom for 7 years. It's difficult to understand, unless you've experienced it.

10 Ways You Can Help a Single Mom:

1. Offer to do handy-man work. You could...repair plumbing, fix a broken fence, mow the lawn, change oil in a vehicle, repair a leaky roof, patch holes in walls, touch up paint, install ceiling fans, install an alarm system, check to see if the house is energy efficient and offer help or *reasonable* suggestions. 
2. Pamper Mom! Moms love...Starbucks, free childcare, finding encouraging cards/letters in the mail, massages, trip to the hair stylist, flowers, lunch delivered to her work, make a little basket of spa goodies, etc.
3. Give money. That may seem too impersonal, but it's not for a single mother. If all you can send is $5, then send $5. It means a lot more than you probably know. Gift cards for gas, clothes, and basic necessities are a godsend. You could offer to pay a bill, too.
4. Offer hand-me-downs. If you have clothes your children have outgrown, by all means, offer it to single parents. You should approach this kindly and with good judgement. Not all single parents need the same things or feel the same way about hand-me-downs. However, MOST single parents will gladly accept necessary items. Keep in mind, single parents are not your junk disposal. If you unload boxes and boxes of unwanted items on a single mother, you're producing more work for her to do and she may not have much space. Don't be offended if she declines. Also, please don't limit it to clothes. If you have a coffee maker, books, office supplies, movies, tote bags, body wash/moisturizer gift sets, Tupperware containers, etc and you do not need them. Offer them to a single mom. 
5. Encouragement. That probably seems a bit too simple, but all too often, they go without it. Try sending a card, leaving a thoughtful Facebook post, or send an e-mail. Whatever you do, don't tell them they're doing it wrong. Unless you know what it's like to go at it alone, I would stick with the encouragement and leave the criticism to someone who has been there. 
6. Try being a mentor. Teach her children how to play football, soccer, or basketball. Show them how to change the oil in their vehicle. Take them to sporting events, camping trips or to pick up a gift for mom. Older women can teach her children how to bake, cook, sew, scrapbook, garden and more. Allow her children to spend some of the summer with your children, while she is away at work.
7. Provide for her children. Pay for sports or music lessons, offer to buy coats or shoes, send them encouraging cards, send them a Hot Wheels car, candy bar, blankets, activity kits, help pay for a doctor's visit, pay for an age-appropriate magazine subscription, etc.
8. Food. Surprise a single mom with a bag of groceries! That helps in two ways. It saves her money and a trip to the grocery store! You could have dinner sent to her house. Note: If you deliver dinner, please don't become intrusive. Keep in mind, single parents have to help their children get homework finished, baths or showers need to get done and more. 
9. Call and check on her after severe weather. Ask if anything needs repair, if they have heat, or need their A/C repaired, if they are simply okay? I've been a single mother for 7 years and it's rare anyone checks on us if we have a severe storm, threat of a tornado, if we're homebound because of icy roads, etc. 
10. Lighten the load. Ask if you can run an errand for her. See if she needs help with a huge homework project. You might offer to make goodie bags or cupcakes for her child's class. 

I hope this list helps you see the needs of single moms. If you're a single mom, and would like to add your own suggestions, please leave a comment! 

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