How well do you know your neighbors?
As a single parent, you need support. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to build a support system. Whether it’s with your neighbors who live on your street. Or your “neighbors” across town find others who you connect with and can trust when you need help. It’s never a one way street. You can also help them in so many ways. We all need someone and it’s important that we know we have people around us who love us.
Get to know your neighbors
Stop and have a conversation with them. Ask questions about them and their interests. Don’t ask questions as a way to gather information and gossip. Ask because you really want to know them. Show that you truly care and find ways to connect and be their friend.
If you run into neighbors who are more concerned about gossiping than truly being your friend, move on to the next person until you find YOUR PEOPLE. Find the people who you know you can trust and count on. Find the friends you can have a give and take relationship with.
Everyone needs to know that someone cares
It’s also important to reach out and help other’s who may feel forgotten. Identify those neighbors, text or call and then stop by for a visit. Or drop off treats or a small gift on their doorstep. Another way to show you care, is to mail a letter letting them know how much you care.
Ask for help
We all feel alone at times. When you’re feeling this way, it’s important to reach out and ask for the help you need. If you’re too sick to go out, ask a neighbor to pick something up for you on their way home. If you are struggling, ask for small acts of kindness such as help shoveling your driveway or pulling weeds.
Serve your neighbors
Find ways to serve your neighbors. Everyone needs help with something and we all appreciate knowing that someone cares. When you can, find ways that you and your family can help neighbors in need. Can you invite them over for dinner? Make a little extra and deliver it to a neighbor? Or surprise them with a treat?
Ideas for serving your neighbor
Serving shows that you care and is a great way to help others.
- Shovel their driveway/sidewalks
- Weed the yard or garden
- Plant flowers
- Help with chores around the house when they need help
- Babysit
- Dogsit
- Help a neighbor clean out the garage
- Make meals for your neighbors when they’re struggling
- Housesit
Neighbor gift ideas
Whether it’s a holiday, your neighbors birthday or you just want to show your appreciation for them, check out these gift ideas for neighbors (many are specifically for the holidays):
- Bake cookies or brownies for a neighbor
- Make an extra loaf of bread to give a neighbor
- Homemade jams
- Leave a note of letter of appreciation
- Holly Jolly Christmas- Jolly Rancher gift
- 12 Days of christmas
Check out this post on Ideas for Giving to Others which includes ideas for theme baskets.
I’m always looking to add more gift and service ideas for neighbors. What are some of your favorite gifts that you’ve given or received from a neighbor or friend? Or what are ways that you have served or been served?
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