When someone you know is dealing with the death of their child, it’s hard to know what to say or how to act. Truly supporting someone in this situation involves much more than just attending the funeral service. If you’re unsure how to proceed, the compassionate professionals at Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough, GA, offer the following advice on how to support a grieving family.

5 Ways You Can Support Someone After the Loss of Their Child

1. Help With Household Tasks or Meals

In the throes of grief, it’s easy to neglect daily chores. To help out, volunteer to perform yard work, babysit the family’s other children, or run errands. Delivering hot meals is another way to lighten the burden of everyday responsibilities. Since many families won’t ask for help or will decline offers of assistance out of politeness, you might want to take the initiative—as long as it doesn’t disrupt those in mourning. 

2. Honor the Child

After a child’s death, you might hesitate to bring them up in conversation, out of fear of making their family sad. However, it’s good to demonstrate that the child’s memory is strong in your mind. Make an effort to say the child’s name, and recognize important holidays such as the child’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

3. Talk About It

Parents may want to talk about their child and how they’re coping with their absence. In this case, it’s your job to listen. Every person’s grieving process is unique, so don’t compare what they’re going through to someone else’s experience. Encourage the sharing of feelings and provide nonjudgmental, compassionate support. Above all, stay present in their lives and continue to check in long after the funeral service is over. 

4. Let the Parents Experience Grief

There is no timeline on grief, and it’s insensitive to tell a grieving person they should get back into a routine or go back to work. Encouraging participation in a support group or counseling program is a good idea, but try to do so in a gentle way.

5. Help Plan for a Memorial

A memorial or funeral service is an excellent way to celebrate the life of a child who has passed. Encourage their family to plan a memorial, and offer to assist with making funeral arrangements. If they’re not interested in a traditional funeral service, suggest unique memorials such as a tree planting ceremony.

The loss of a child requires the tender support of friends, family, and the community. That’s why Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors has been a trusted member of the McDonough community for more than 75 years, helping families plan funeral services in the most difficult of times. For more information on memorials, visit their website or call (770) 914-1414.