The greatest gift to offer a struggling parent is a helping hand.

No matter how much parents love their kids, there is no denying that being the sole caretaker of multiple young children 24/7 can get draining and overwhelming. Arguably, having somebody else helping with the childcare now and then allows for better parenting, because they can refill their own cup and give more to their kids when it is their turn again. 

It is no wonder, then, that having a responsible family member who is willing to do a few babysitting shifts is a coveted lifesaver for most parents. They get all the benefits of somebody watching their children without the sizeable price tag that is often attached.

At the same time, any mom or dad who is fortunate enough to have a relative who will step up like this needs to be respectful of their time and energy. Even the most dedicated individuals will feel underappreciated and burnt out if they are taken for granted and expected to take the kids at every available opportunity. There is a balance to be struck between feeling the benefit of another trusted person doing the childcare and simply not wanting to parent.