UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | tcf.org.uk If you can, write down your memories of their child. A letter or a card with some special reminiscences can bring a great deal of comfort. It is common to recall events in the lives of older relatives who have died, but there seems to be a reluctance to talk in the same natural way about deceased children. It helps parents if we do. Sometimes there will be opportunities to post pictures and write about their child on social media. It is best to be led by the parent in this. If they are posting pictures on their Facebook page, for instance, then do respond. Affirmations of their child’s importance and acknowledgement of their grief are part of the support you can offer. The parents might also be grateful for help with using their social media page, or how to maintain their child’s social media. This leaflet may help: tcf.org.uk/digital-legacy Supporting social interaction “I was very lucky - friends invited me out, and although I refused for some time, they kept asking me, and in the end, I found that I did enjoy having small events to look forward to.” Bereaved parents are jolted out of their normal life patterns. Picking up the threads again can be very difficult and may take a long time. They may feel unable to join in as they used to do because the devastation of their loss is so great. From time to time, you may like to suggest a meal out, or a visit to a leisure centre, theatre, garden, concert or cinema. The invitation may be turned down for some time, but eventually there will be a day when it will be accepted. It may be that they change their minds at the last minute or have to leave early. (Do bear in mind the circumstances of the death if suggesting a cinema or theatre trip and consider the subject of the film or play.)
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