According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 9.8 million single parents households in the United States. Most of these have single mothers, but single dads account for nearly one-third. Yet single mothers and fathers both play a vital role in the lives of their kids. What’s more, the Pew Research Center says the United States has the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households.

While a two-parent household might be the preferred situation for kids, those parents who choose or who have no choice but to raise their children on their own deserve our respect and our support.

It’s not easy, but it can be done. History is replete with stories of successful and fulfilled people who were raised in single-parent households. At Saint Francis Ministries, we’ve seen plenty of examples of heroic single parents – whether they’re birth parents, foster parents, kinship parents, or adoptive parents. Their efforts and sacrifices are inspiring.

So, today, as we mark National Single Parent Day, let’s take time to thank the single parents in our lives – and to lend them a hand. No doubt, any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some ideas:

• Check in regularly – Text, email, or call to ask, “How are you doing today?” It tells a single parent that (s)he’s not alone.
• Invite them – Single parents often struggle with social isolation. Include them in your plans.
• Provide practical help – Offer to help with car repairs, babysitting, or making dinner. There are literally hundreds of ways to help a single parent deal with day-to-day tasks and challenges.
• Give grace – Sometimes, it seems like everyday is a struggle. Give patience, understanding, and grace.