Losing a parent is never easy, no matter how old you are. If your spouse has recently lost a loved one, you may want to find ways to show your support and ease their pain, if only by a little. Whether it’s helping with the funeral arrangements or simply offering a shoulder to cry on, here are a few steps you can take to support your partner in their time of need. 

3 Ways to Help Your Spouse Grieve After Losing a Parent

1. Know How to Deal With the Stages of Grief

Most people experience five stages of grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Keeping in mind that your spouse may not experience all five phases separately or in this order, make yourself available for consolation, but know that they may also need time alone. To offer them support throughout the whole process, listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and share fond memories of the deceased parent at the later stages of grieving.

2. Lend a Hand With Funeral Arrangements

Your spouse may also be the one responsible for the funeral arrangements of their parent, which can be a stressful process for someone who’s grieving. Offer to step in and make decisions, such as planning the memorial service, writing the obituary, choosing a casket, or deciding on flower arrangements, as even the smallest of funeral tasks can be wrenching for someone in pain.

3. Take Over Child Care

If you have kids, your spouse may be too overwhelmed to keep up with all of the demands of child care. Ease their load by taking your kids to school, preparing meals, and performing other chores that your partner may be typically in charge of. Explain the situation to your kids so they aren’t unnecessarily concerned. Once your spouse feels up for it, spend quality time as a family to provide each other support during this difficult period.

If your family needs assistance with funeral arrangements, trust Brown Funeral Homes & Cremations. Serving the Martinsburg, WV community since 1880, they can help you plan a fitting and respectful service to honor the life of your loved one. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help, or call (304) 263-8896 to schedule a consultation with a funeral director.