Grief Series: Practical ways you can help a grieving loved one
Watching a loved one experience grief can be painful.
The internet is full of ideas about how you can support a grieving loved one. Here’s the top tips our families have shared:
In CDH families, grief may be triggered by the many different things, and sometimes again because of other factors.
- Fold the washing, tidy of the kitchen or take the dog for a walk
- Drop off a pre-cooked meal, ready to serve
- Make the school lunches for older children
- Respond to messages, phone calls, or emails for them
- Take on regular duties for them, like school drop-off and transport to and from sports training
Families experiencing grief may not know what to say if you ask, “What can I do to help?” Others will have a clear idea of what might ease their day-to-day burden. Be mindful that families may not want you to support them in these ways, and be respectful of their wishes. It’s not personal – nobody knows how they will react when experiencing strong emotions.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience grief; nor is there a timeline or rules to follow. Listen with compassion, and withhold judgement.
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Useful Resources
Join our Facebook Support Group
Watch our webinar: What is grief?
Visit our Mental health and wellbeing page
Visit our Information for family and friends page
Visit the Stages of the CDH journey section of our website
Download our fact sheet: How to support grieving parents
More from our Grief Series
Latest news and articles here
Read our blog here