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

Because it's 5 o'clock somewhere — which means there are still a few hours to go before bedtime.

Source: Flickr user Rich Moffitt

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

Moms tote along a lot of stuff, always. So offer to help her carry something!

Source: Flickr user Mrs. Flinger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If her kids need help, then help them! It's as simple as that.

Source: Flickr user Keri Logan

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