Support for Someone Else

How to Support Grieving Parents: Practical Ways to Help

Supporting grieving parents after the loss of a child can be one of the most challenging yet important roles you can play. While words may feel inadequate, your presence, patience, and practical help can provide much-needed comfort. Family members and close friends often offer the most meaningful support during such a devastating time. It’s essential to approach this sensitive situation with empathy, compassion, and respect for the parents’ grief journey.

Practical Ways You Can Offer Support

Grieving parents may feel overwhelmed by the flood of emotions they are experiencing, so your role is to offer calm, steady support without rushing or overwhelming them. Here are some ways to assist:

• Ask How You Can Help: Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is simply ask the grieving parents how they need support. Everyone grieves differently, so let them guide what they need during this difficult time.
• Offer Practical Assistance: Small acts of service can alleviate some of the stress. Offer to cook meals, do grocery shopping, or help with household chores. These practical tasks can allow grieving parents to focus on their emotions while knowing their daily needs are being taken care of.
• Create Space for Grief: Grieving parents may need time alone to process their emotions, but they may also need companionship. Whether it’s sitting in silence together or offering a listening ear, your presence can provide comfort. Respect their emotional needs without feeling the need to “fix” their grief.
• Respect Boundaries: It’s important to check in before making any significant changes, like cleaning out a child’s bedroom or going through belongings. Some parents find comfort in maintaining their child’s space, while others may want to begin the process of sorting through their child’s belongings when they feel ready.
• Listen Without Judgment: Grieving parents often need to express complex emotions. Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is listen without offering advice or attempting to “fix” the situation. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone in their grief.

Helpful Words from Parents Who Have Experienced Loss

The voices of grieving parents can shed light on the kinds of support that are most meaningful. Here are a few reflections from parents who have lost a child:

• “My parents shared my grief and gave me the confidence to believe I did my best.”
• “My mother and mother-in-law took over the daily tasks, giving me the space to just exist.”
• “Sometimes, just being there to listen was the most helpful thing.”

These words underscore the importance of offering both emotional and practical support in a way that allows grieving parents to feel understood and cared for.

Explore Additional Resources

Supporting grieving parents can be an emotional challenge, and you may feel uncertain about what to do or say. If you’re looking for more information on how to support someone who is grieving, we invite you to explore our Resource Library. We offer valuable insights on how to approach grief, provide practical tips, and share coping strategies that you can pass along to the parents you’re supporting.

Additionally, if you feel the need for further guidance or emotional support, our 24/7 Bereavement Support Line is available to you and the grieving family. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of supporting a loved one through such a difficult time.

Share Red Nose Support Services with Grieving Parents

If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a child, sharing our services with them can offer valuable assistance. Red Nose provides tailored grief and loss support for parents, siblings, and other family members affected by pregnancy loss, stillbirth, neonatal death, or sudden infant death.

How Red Nose Can Help:

• Individual and Family Grief Counselling: Professional support is available in person, by phone, or via video call.
• Peer Support Groups: Join others who understand your grief in a safe, supportive environment.
• 24/7 Support Line: Call 1300 308 307 anytime for immediate, compassionate support.
• Specialised Programs: Access programs like the Hospital to Home program and Treasured Babies for practical and emotional assistance.

We understand that grief can feel isolating, and we are here to help both those who are grieving and those supporting them. Learn More About Our Support Services and share this information with others who may benefit.

Get in Touch for Additional Help

If you or the parents you are supporting are struggling with grief, we are here for you. Whether you need guidance, resources, or direct support, don’t hesitate to Contact Us. You can reach us through our Support Line, or by visiting our Online Support options to access live chat and helpful resources.

Red Nose is committed to supporting families navigating the complexities of the loss of a baby or child. To access our specialised bereavement support including: counselling, peer support programs, support groups, and resources tailored to individual needs, click here.