One of a series of leaflets published by The Compassionate Friends This leaflet is written for the family and friends of bereaved parents. Your support can make a real difference to those who have been bereaved of a child. It is devastating to be bereaved of a child. Whether their child was four months, four years, fourteen or forty, nothing will be the same again for the parent. It is not surprising that many bereaved parents struggle to rebuild their lives as they navigate their heartbreaking loss. If they feel alone in their grief, it will be harder to bear, whereas support and kindness from those in their social and family circle can make a positive difference. Many people who would like to support a bereaved parent worry about saying or doing the wrong things. Nobody can provide a simple list of exactly what to do or say. There is no a magical solution to make things better for a parent as they mourn their child, nor a simple formula that will be right for everyone. Yet parents who have been in touch with our charity, The Compassionate Friends (TCF), have often told us about what has and has not helped them, so there are some general themes. We hope the suggestions in this leaflet, based on the experiences of bereaved parents, will help you to be there for those in your own circle who have suffered the tragedy of the death of their child. “All those friends and family who rallied around me when my child died never realised how they got me through those first weeks. Thank you to all of them!” Helping Bereaved Parents Suggestions for family and friends of bereaved parents
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