Perhaps the most difficult part of loving marriage is navigating the death of a spouse. And it can be challenging, as a child of any grieving parent, to manage your own feelings while comforting a loved one. Consider the following suggestions to help the healing process, and pursue grief counseling for further support.

3 Tips for Helping a Parent Grieve

1. Understand the Grief Process

Part of grief counseling is understanding that no one experiences loss in the same way. Many emotions may arise, from anger and bitterness to indifference. Each one has a place and purpose. You may not agree with all your parent’s choices or behavior, especially if their grief process doesn’t match your own. Be patient with your parent, and try to be accommodating when these emotions resurface and they want to be alone or stay home. 

2. Don’t Encourage Big Changes

Grief can alter a person’s perception of time during the mourning period and is stressful physically and emotionally, so it’s best to not add other big changes to a parent’s life. Selling a family home, moving, or starting another relationship can wait. Gently encourage your parent to take their time and allow the grief to settle for at least a year before making big shifts.

3. Keep Tabs on Physical Health

Stress can impair the immune system, lowering resistance to colds and cases of flu. Your parent may experience more illness or old conditions may flare up. Or, if they experience forgetfulness, they may have trouble remembering appointments and medications. Keep tabs on their physical well-being and encourage regular doctor visits while they are mourning.

If you need to plan a funeral service for a loved one, get in touch with our team at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home of Trumbull, CT. We’ve been planning dignified services for over a century, and we cater to those interested in both cremations and funerals. For more information on our services, visit the website, or call (203) 373-1013.