How To Support The Bereaved Parents In Your Life

Have a child die, regardless of the age, is heartbreaking.  As many say....it goes against the natural order of life and no one wants to be part of this club. 

If we are aware, we recognize there are bereaved parents in each of our lives, and for the bereaved parents, those people that know how to be of emotional and physical support for the family, is helpful, needed and often welcomed. 

In this article, a bereaved parent shares what helped them in their darkest hour:

• Giving the grace to grieve, how they need to grief each day.
• Please don't place the burden on the bereaved by saying...."let me know how I can help".  In reality, they have no idea how you can help, as they are just trying to survive the death of their child. 
• Start a meal plan/delivery for the next several months.  Share with the family what/when will be delivered and ask if they have instructions, such as please just leave by door and do not ring doorbell.
• Gift certificates for restaurants so they can order in or go out when needed.
• Offer to help with other children - drive to/from school, take out for playdates or excursions, or help with household chores.
• Listen.  Listen.  Listen.   Don't offer any solutions to get through this or what you think may be helpful.  Not appropriate.    
• Be patient, kind, loving and tolerant.  There is no roadmap for death, especially a death of a child, regardless of the circumstance.
• Please say the child's name.  No parent wants to feel as if their child is fading from others memories.  
• Feelings and emotions will be unpredictable, and the pain will not evaporate for bereaved parents.  Instead it will change, ebb and flow, and with loving people by their sides, bereaved parents can feel supported and comforted in their journey.

How To Support The Bereaved Parents In Your Life