Aiding the foolhardy

Even though you may have only a couple of kids, chances are you know of a big family – maybe from your church, your school, or your local mental health facility. And even if you and your spouse are not quite as foolhardy as those of us with big families, you could still do lots of things to help. Here is a list of ideas big families might appreciate:

Take a few of the kids to the park or to a movie.

Offer to babysit for an evening and let the parents get out. (We’ll be so appreciative, we might feel sorry for you and come back.)

Bring over a pizza and some salad. Just make sure you bring enough.

Don’t give toys at Christmas or on birthdays. Chances are, we already have three of whatever you bought. Rather, give gift cards to Meijer or Wal-Mart.

Don’t give gifts that make noise or come in many small pieces. Please don’t give stuffed animals. If there’s one thing we have more of than kids, it’s stuffed animals.

If you’re a relative or close friend, you could help out with a little housework sometimes. How about throwing in a load of laundry?

If it has been awhile since your last baby was born and you miss holding a little one, come on over and rock a baby.

If you don’t know any big families, but happen to meet one in a store or on the street, avoid stupid questions like these: Are they all yours? You have HOW MANY kids? Don’t you know there is a population explosion? Instead, say things like this: What a nice family you have.

Offer to drive someone somewhere.

It’s OK to give us bags of your old clothes, but please make sure there are some similarities in sizes, ages, and genders.

If you own a business, welcome bigger families. Appreciate their business.

If the parents take a drink sometimes, a nice bottle of wine or some beer might not be amiss.

If you can’t think of anything to do, just ask if there is anything you can do to help.

We’re not sorry to have had a large family, but a little friendly help is always welcome.