How to help:
- Be supportive – Visit or call to say, “I care and I want to help.”
- Treat the bereaved couple equally. Men need as much support as women.
- Be available. Parents need direct help providing a meal, doing errands, babysitting their other children. Sometimes concrete offers like, “I’d like to bring dinner over tonight” are more helpful.
- Listen. Allow the parents to talk about their child; ask but don’t pry. Let them know that you want to listen if they want to talk.
- Learn about the grieving process. There are many books available.
- Don’t be afraid of reminding the parents about the child. They have never forgotten. Letting them know that you remember is comforting. Refer to their child by name.
- Be liberal with touching a grieving parent. They often have a need for contact.