DESIRES: Family and Friends to Help

Encouraging family and friends to help can sometimes feel like herding cats—challenging and a bit chaotic!

TeamLiz was SO GRATEFUL for ALL the big and little things our family and friends did that allowed us to breathe through hard days and medical challenges. One dropped off an egg bake and another dropped off a pasta dish. We were too busy to celebrate holidays and Thanksgiving and Easter arrived with smiles. We had already downsized everything. Brush was cleared from the front of the house, a closet cleaned, loads of clothes washed, dishes and kitchen and bathroom while we attended Liz at clinics and hospitals and in her home.

Here are some fun and effective strategies to get them on board. Even an hour a week will get you a hot bath and some alone time! With the right approach, you can rally your loved ones to lend a hand.

1. Make the Ask Specific

• Direct: “Hey, could you help me with the garden on Saturday morning? I promise to provide coffee and donuts!”
• Detailed: “I’m planning to tackle the garage this weekend. Could you join me on Sunday at 1 PM to sort through the boxes?”
• Humorous: “Can you come over on Friday to help me organize my closet? I need someone to stop me from keeping that 80s jacket ‘just in case’ it comes back in style!”

2. Host a “Help Wanted” Party

• Invitation: “Join us for a ‘Help Wanted’ party this Saturday! We’ll have snacks, drinks, and a list of fun tasks to tackle together.”
• Casual Mention: “While you’re here, I’d love your input on rearranging the living room. Chips and guac are on the house!”
• Humorous: “Come for the snacks, stay for the chores! Who knew organizing could be so much fun with a taco in hand?”

3. Use Humor to Break the Ice

• Funny Text: “Help wanted: Seeking brave souls to join me in the epic quest of laundry folding. Snacks and laughter guaranteed!”
• Light-hearted Approach: “I’m hosting a new game show called ‘Who Wants to Be a Helper?’ and you’re my top contestant!”
• Humorous Group Message: “I’m starting a new reality show called ‘Help Me, I’m a Parent!’ and I need contestants. Apply within!”

4. Show Gratitude and Acknowledge Efforts

• Simple Thanks: “Thank you so much for your help! I couldn’t have done it without you.”
• Creative: “Your help was the secret ingredient to my sanity soup. Thank you!”
• Humorous: “Thanks for saving me from the laundry monster! I owe you a superhero cape.”

5. Share Your Challenges Openly

• Honest Sharing: “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all these tasks. Any help would be greatly appreciated!”
• Empathetic Appeal: “I’m starting to think my house is a black hole for toys—anyone want to join me in a rescue mission?”
• Humorous: “My house is starting to look like a ‘before’ picture. Anyone want to help me get to ‘after’?”

6. Create a Family and Friends Support Schedule

• Organized Approach: “I’ve set up a schedule for anyone who wants to help out. Feel free to sign up for whatever suits you!”
• Collaborative: “Check out our family support calendar! Let’s tackle these tasks together.”
• Humorous: “Join the ‘Task Force’! Sign up for a mission, and let’s conquer this to-do list like superheroes.”

7. Leverage Their Interests

• Personalized Request: “I know you love baking—could you help me whip up some treats for the bake sale?”
• Tailored Ask: “You’re great at organizing! Would you mind helping me sort through this mountain of paperwork?”
• Humorous: “You love puzzles, right? My closet is like a 3D jigsaw—come help me solve it!”

8. Offer to Return the Favor

• Mutual Support: “I’ll help you with your garden if you can help me with the kids this weekend!”
• Reciprocal Offer: “Let’s swap skills! I’ll cook dinner if you can help me with some errands.”
• Humorous: “I’ll trade you one afternoon of babysitting for your expert advice on my DIY project!”

9. Create a Fun Group Challenge

• Friendly Competition: “Let’s see who can come up with the best meal plan for the week. Winner gets a homemade dessert!”
• Engaging Activity: “Challenge accepted! Let’s tackle this list and see who finishes first.”
• Humorous: “Who’s up for the ‘Great Clean-Off’? Winner gets bragging rights and a slice of cake!”

10. Be Honest About Your Needs

• Straightforward: “I’m feeling overwhelmed and could really use some help. Would you be willing to lend a hand?”
• Open: “I could really use some support right now. Any help would be appreciated!”
• Humorous: “I’m drowning in chores, and my lifeboat is full of holes. Can you throw me a life preserver?”

Using these strategies, you can effectively encourage your family and friends to lend a hand while keeping the atmosphere light and engaging.