If your partner recently lost a parent, they may be too busy making funeral arrangements to process the loss. It could take days or weeks after the memorial service for feelings of grief to set in. To help your partner find peace and acceptance so they can start to heal, follow the suggestions below.

How to Help Your Grieving Partner Through the Loss of a Parent

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Elevating your loved one’s mood is likely your top priority, so you might be tempted to recommend examples of why they should look on the bright side when they show their grief. Even though you mean well, focusing on the positive might be perceived by your partner as a lack of caring about their feelings. Your primary job is to listen and absorb what’s said, so acknowledge their feelings and offer a shoulder to cry on.

2. Be Their Spokesperson

While you’re making funeral arrangements, and after the service, friends and acquaintances will call to offer their condolences. However, continuing to talk about the loss could add stress and grief to this already difficult time. Serve as the spokesperson for your partner, offering appreciation on their behalf and answering questions until they're emotionally ready to handle these conversations.

3. Take on More of the Load

Grief can be all-consuming, making it difficult to perform basic tasks. Your partner could find even routine activities, such as helping make dinner, taking the kids to school, or running errands, incredibly stressful. To ensure they have time to go to grief counseling, journal, join a support group, and do other activities to help them heal, offer to take on more responsibilities at home.

To ensure you and your partner have time to grieve the loss of a parent or another loved one, contact the professionals at DiPonzio Funeral Home in Rochester, NY. From filling out paperwork to helping pick a casket, their staff will help make the planning process less emotionally taxing. Call (585) 429-6700 to discuss funeral arrangements, and visit them online to learn more about their 80-year history in the community.