Think outside the 13 x 9 pan. Here are nine tips that really help a family coping with illness, death, divorce, a new baby or any other major life changes.
1. Bring a meal. Friends and family often send versatile casseroles like lasagna. Try thinking outside the 13×9 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. Or bring the family their favorite take out or send a gift card.
2. Set up a meal train. When one meal just doesn’t cover it, set up a meal train using websites like signupgenius.com or 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 otherwise think to ask.
3. Help with pets. 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 give the family peace of mind while they focus on what is important.
4. Offer to babysit. Show support by offering to baby-sit, even if it is just for a couple hours. If you are taking your own children to the park, swing by and pick up their children for the afternoon. This gets them out of the house and gives the parents a break. Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help for a family that is dealing with change.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 pack-age with special treats, magazines, snacks, and a card.
8. 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.
9. Listen. Sometimes a long talk is very therapeutic. When you visit, lis-ten 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.