17 Ways to Help Out a Fellow Mama in the New Year

They say it takes a village to raise a family, but the days of the village seem to be long gone. Families are dispersed, friends are busy, the mommy wars are in full effect, and the every-mom-for-herself mentality can creep in. This is why the little things can go a long way in helping a fellow mama out. We all have those days as mothers, and you'd be surprised what a helping hand or a friendly nod from one mom to another can do to turn the day around. So, let's get back the village mentality in 2015 with these supereasy ways to give a hand to your closest mom friends or even those you've never met. Source: Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

01
Bring Her a Starbucks

Bring Her a Starbucks

Did your mom pal have a long night? Nothing says "hang in there, mama" more than a piping-hot cup of java. Source: Instagram user loving_the_healthier_life

02
Or a Bottle of Wine

Or a Bottle of Wine

Because it's 5 o'clock somewhere — which means there are still a few hours to go before bedtime. Source: Flickr user Rich Moffitt

03
Give Her Your Spot in Line

Give Her Your Spot in Line

The other day I was waiting to get my eyebrows done, and a mom with her two toddlers showed up to try to get an appointment after me. I was without my kiddos so I told her she could have my appointment. She was overjoyed — and I was happy to help her out. It's the small things, ladies! Source: Flickr user Mr.TinDC

04
Hold Her Baby For a Few Minutes

Hold Her Baby For a Few Minutes

Sure, she loves to hold her baby, but she'll also be happy to have her arms free to eat, drink her coffee, or just relax for a few. Source: Flickr user Kevin Dooley

05
Offer to Help Carry Something

Offer to Help Carry Something

Moms tote along a lot of stuff, always. So offer to help her carry something! Source: Flickr user Mrs. Flinger

06
Give Her a Pat on the Shoulder

Give Her a Pat on the Shoulder

While making a grocery store run the other day, my kids were just being complete sh*ts. The car cart was taken, and that started the beginning of a series of complaining and crying about just about everything. It was miserable. Another mom, whose child was behaving perfectly, walked by and just rubbed my shoulder and gave me a look as if to say, "Stay strong! We've all been there." I'll tell you what, it really gave me the momentum I needed to power through! Source: Flickr user U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District

07
Hold the Door For Her Stroller

Hold the Door For Her Stroller

Something as simple as making sure to hold the door for a mama with a stroller in tow can go a long, long way. Source: Flickr user Antoine K

08
Give Her the Nod of Approval When She's Disciplining Her Kids

Give Her the Nod of Approval When She's Disciplining Her Kids

One of the hardest things about disciplining kids in public is the judgment from strangers. Instead of judging, give her your nod of approval so she can power through the last two minutes of a dreaded toddler time-out in Target. Source: Flickr user Jonty

09
Change Her Kid's Diaper (or 2)

Change Her Kid's Diaper (or 2)

Moms change so many diapers when their children are little. So many. And I know it's not your favorite thing to do, but offer to change her babe's diaper for her, and she'll probably be delighted. Source: Flickr user Kona Gallagher

10
Offer to Drive Her Child Somewhere

Offer to Drive Her Child Somewhere

Help her out with her role as chauffeur and the logistical nightmare that can often accompany having several tots with busy schedules. Source: Flickr user Tim Samoff

11
Pass Her Along Some Hand-Me-Downs

Pass Her Along Some Hand-Me-Downs

When going through your kiddo's old clothing, think of the moms you know who might benefit from some hand-me-downs. Source: Flickr user trenttsd

12
Schedule a Moms' Night Out

Schedule a Moms' Night Out

The signs are all there: she needs a moms' night out. Plan it and get her out of the house for a night! Source: Flickr user eyeliam

13
On an Airplane, Tell Her You Have Kids Too

On an Airplane, Tell Her You Have Kids Too

On the rare occasion I travel without my kiddos, I always (always) tell the mommy sitting near me with an unruly tot in tow that I am mom and am happy to help in any way in-flight. Source: Flickr user Eugenio "The Wedding Traveler" WILMAN

14
Have Her Kids Over For an Hour (or 2)

Have Her Kids Over For an Hour (or 2)

Something as simple as watching one of her kiddos for a few hours can give her a much-needed break — or the chance to get to that appointment without juggling her children. Source: Flickr user MissMessie

15
Give Her a Hand During Tantrums

Give Her a Hand During Tantrums

If she is having a hard time managing an unruly child? Help her out by watching the sibling and keeping them occupied while she handles the situation. Or help her figure out how to cheer up the upset child. Source: Flickr user Quinn Dombrowski

16
Help Out Her Kiddos on the Playground

Help Out Her Kiddos on the Playground

If her kids need help, then help them! It's as simple as that. Source: Flickr user Keri Logan

17
Make an Extra Meal For Her Family

Make an Extra Meal For Her Family

We bring meals to mamas with brand-new babes, but that's not the only time she could benefit from the extra dinnertime help. Is her spouse traveling? Is she sick? Or maybe you just had the extra time to cook up two meals? Source: Flickr user Connie Ma