How to Show Support After the Death of a Child

For most, losing a child is unimaginable. Because the depth of this loss is so hard to fathom, many people aren’t sure how to show support to a friend or family member mourning a child. We hope these tips help.

Knowing what to say

Your natural inclination might be to offer words of wisdom like, “Everything happens for a reason,” or, “I know what you’re going through,” but in many cases, these words fail to bring comfort. The most compassionate, loving words you can share with somebody who is experiencing loss is simply, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

Listening is more important than talking during times like these. Don’t be afraid of moments of reflection and don’t feel obligated to fill them.

Remember, the most damaging thing you can do is fail to reach out at all out of fear that you might say the wrong thing. Good intentions speak volumes.

Knowing how to help

Following a loss, it’s common to receive offers of help. “Is there anything I can do for you?” or “Just let me know if you need anything”are common extensions from friends, family members, coworkers, and acquaintances.

But those who aren’t comfortable asking for help, these favors are hard to cash in. Instead, be specific:

• “I have a couple of extra bedrooms. Let me know who will be needing arrangements and I’ll reach out and get them settled in.”
• “I can pick you up at the airport; what time does your flight land?”

Sometimes the best help is unsolicited help like a shoveled sidewalk, a mowed lawn, or a casserole.

Consider ways to honor his or her memory

There are a number of ways you can show your respect by honoring the life lost:

• starting a scholarship fund in their name
• gifting something meaningful, like an engraved ring or a framed photograph
• planting a tree in their name

The easiest way to honor a memory is to openly share stories and recollections of your times together.

To learn more, visit us at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery today.