8 Thoughtful Ways to Support a Grieving Parent

*Collaborative Post

Respect and consideration toward your grieving friend or family member will give them support and create an environment of comfort that promotes healing.

The devastation of losing a child creates overwhelming grief and may leave others not knowing how to help. However, there are some simple ways you can support a grieving parent without making it complicated.

This post will explore simple yet thoughtful deeds that can be powerful in calming distress. They can help a grieving parent through their tough journey.

Provide Help for Meal Preparation or Daily Household Tasks

The emotional trauma of losing a child affects both the emotional and physical health of a parent, and it can be hard to think about doing daily tasks. Providing prepared food or cooking for the grieving parent will help lighten their load.

Rather than saying, ‘Call me if you need help,’ offer specific services such as, ‘I can deliver dinner to your house on Thursday,’ or ‘I will go grocery shopping for you this weekend.’ By providing small acts of kindness, you are helping the grieving parent immensely.

 Provide Help with Childcare, School Pickups, and Activities

A grieving parent who has other children may experience stress trying to stay engaged in extracurricular activities. Extra hands-on assistance regarding child pick-up, school drop-off and other events can allow them to focus on themselves.

For example, providing two or three hours of reliable support with another child may provide a grieving parent some time for appointment(s), rest, or reflection.

Always consider what is best for the family instead of assuming. They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Connect in a Careful Manner

It is common for those grieving to feel isolated from everyone else. Short, caring check-ins can reassure parents that they are not alone. Consider these ideas to help you connect:

•  ‘Thinking of you today; you don’t need to respond to this message, but I wanted to reassure you that I care about you.’
•  ‘Would you like me to visit quickly, or would you prefer to have some quiet time?’

Be sure to support the parent’s boundaries. Some parents may want to have someone around to visit, while others would prefer to be alone.

Send a Special Arrangement of Flowers or Plant

During a time when words seem to fall short, sending a bouquet or potted plant to express your sympathy can show how much you care. Sending a small gift along with a card expressing your sympathy will be appreciated.

For more information about the proper way to send arrangements or what types of flowers to send to whom, and the timing of delivery, check with Kremp Florist.

Sending flowers a few days after the service is usually best; but sending a plant or arrangement of flowers continues to provide comfort for up to a month after the service.

Respect Their Grieving Process

Grief is not a schedule, and every parent is different when grieving. Some parents want to talk about their child’s death, while others want to isolate themselves.

 Do not attempt to judge how a parent grieves. Rather, support them and have no expectations so that they can feel what they need to feel in a safe environment.

Remember Significant Dates

Anniversary dates, birth dates, and holiday dates can be difficult for parents. An acknowledgement such as a card, message, or thoughtful gesture can let the parents know that they are still remembered and that you still care even after the loss of their child.

Listen Without Trying to Solve

There will be times when all that you can do is listen to the parent share memories, frustrations, or feelings about the death of their child.

Your ability to listen and provide support will provide them much more comfort than any type of advice. While you may be tempted to offer solutions, you should try listening without aiming to solve.

Suggest Professional Support When Needed

Loss is a multi-dimensional and often lengthy process that can take time to heal. There are many options for support, including counselling, support groups, or therapy, but these should be offered to the bereaved in a safe and non-judgmental manner.

When you refer to these services as an option, allow for the bereaved to make their own decision about whether or not they need the resources.

Compassion Is Everything

When providing support to a grieving parent, expressing your love and support with small acts of kindness can go a long way to provide comfort during this very difficult time. While you may not be able to take their pain away, you can help them create an environment that fosters healing through compassion.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.