Whether in our own neighborhoods or through Alongside Families, most of us know a parent who feels alone.
After years of walking alongside families in crisis, I’ve learned something deeply hopeful: the small things truly matter. Showing up during a big emergency is powerful. But it’s the steady, simple touches that remind a parent they are not invisible on ordinary days.
If you’d like to bless an isolated parent but aren’t sure where to start, here are five easy, meaningful things you can do:
1. Send an “I’m Thinking of You” Message
Never underestimate the power of a simple text.
A lonely parent often spends long stretches of time without adult conversation or encouragement. A quick note that says, “You came to mind today and I wanted you to know I’m praying for you” can change the tone of their entire afternoon.
You might:
Share a short prayer or Bible verse
Send a funny meme that reminds you of them
Leave a voicemail so they can hear a caring voice
Send a quick photo from your day and say, “Thought of you when I saw this!”
It doesn’t have to be long, it just has to be sincere.
2. Create a “Little Joys” Delivery (involve your kids!)
This is a beautiful way to cultivate compassion in your own children while blessing someone else.
Put together a “Little Joys” bag or box:
A favorite snack
A candle or tea
A handwritten encouragement note
A craft or drawing from your child
A printed family photo with a note: “We’re cheering you on!”
Let your kids help assemble and deliver it. Talk with them about why encouragement matters. These simple acts teach your children empathy — and remind a lonely parent that they’re part of a bigger community.
3. Remember the Important Dates
For many isolated parents, holidays are harder than they look. Mother’s Day, birthdays, and even ordinary milestones can quietly pass without recognition.
Mark their birthday in your calendar. Set a reminder before Mother’s Day. Reach out on the anniversary of something meaningful in their story.
If you can invite them to join your family celebration that day, wonderful. If not, consider:
Mailing a handwritten card
Dropping off flowers from the grocery store
Sending a small e-gift card for coffee
Having your children draw a “Happy Birthday” picture
Being remembered is a powerful antidote to loneliness.
4. Share a Meal — Simply
Food says, “You matter.”
It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as: “I made extra tonight — can I bring you dinner on Thursday or Friday?”
Or invite them over for pizza and paper plates.
If it feels natural, stay a few minutes to chat. If they’re exhausted, drop it at the door with a warm note. The goal isn’t impressing them — it’s easing the weight of one ordinary evening.
5. Offer an Hour of Presence
Isolated parents don’t need you to fix all their challenges. They need companionship.
You could:
Offer to take a walk together
Invite them to sit on your porch for coffee
Watch their kids at a nearby playground while you talk
Offer to come over and fold a few loads of laundry together
Sit beside them at church so they don’t walk in alone
Even offering one consistent touchpoint — “Every other Tuesday, I’ll check in” — creates stability and connection. Loneliness shrinks when someone shares space with you.
Family preservation ministry is about more than crisis response. It’s about doing life with our isolated neighbors.
Some weeks will only allow small touchpoints — and that’s okay. A text. A meal. A remembered birthday. A porch conversation.
Small things, done consistently, remind a parent: You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.
And those small things? They make a very big difference.
Thank you for living out family preservation with us in the day-to-day!
~Emily Kemmann, Alongside Families Founder & CEO