How can I help a parent through grief?
Welcome back to another blog and today I’ll be focusing on how to help a parent through grief.
If you’ve stumbled across this blog because you’re in need of help, then please keep reading.
As an author of a sell-out bereavement support book, I have done the research to help, support and assist those that might be struggling to reach out for professional support.
Whilst I am not a qualified professional, what I can bring is practical advice and suggestions based on my own personal and work-related dealings with trauma.
Being present
Speaking from my own experience, when we are affected by loss, it’s easy to feel isolated from those around us. Whether it’s because people feel awkward, uncomfortable or simply don’t know the words to say, many close connections take a step backwards which can leave those affected feeling even more lost and alone. My advice to you would be to remain present. Don’t back away when times get hard, though it’s important to give those affected the space they need, make sure to check-in and remind them that you are close by.
Practical ideas
When affected by loss and consumed with feelings of hurt, anger and confusion, it’s easy for those affected to simply forget or be unable to function. Whether that’s forgetting to eat or drink, look after children, pets or sorting other personal affairs, there are plenty of things that you can do to support them at this time.
Some nice ideas might be to:
Batch-cook a nutritious meal
Check-in with their place of work
Ensure that children are looked after
Offer assistance with childcare or day-to-day tasks that might be forgotten
A lot of the time we find ourselves desperate to buy cards and flowers, when actually, having someone close by to cook a meal or offer support with children or pets can be more valuable.
Thoughtful ideas – If Heaven had a Postcode
For the ultimate in thoughtful keepsake gifts, visit www.ifheavenhadapostcode.com
For more information on my much loved gift book.
Treasuring precious memories through ‘uplifting’ memorial has never been so important. With mental health conditions including anxiety and depression at an all time high especially amongst the younger generation, it’s important to do what we can to support young and vulnerable people.
If Heaven had a Postcode is the ‘more than a memorial book’ which offers the most unique, supportive and comforting gift to anyone affected by loss.
Created with the inclusion of specialist interview techniques to prompt memory recall, it can provide a positive distraction to those affected by bereavement.
It is also designed to be added to year after year meaning a loved one lost will never be forgotten.
To find out more please visit the website at www.ifheavenhadapostcode.com
Things to do if they’re not coping
If you find yourself concerned about the wellbeing of someone affected by bereavement, then it’s important to always reach out for support.
You can do this by encouraging them to contact their GP, talk to close family members, or even by networking with other friends and professionals that may be better suited to offer professional support.
Alternatively, there are helplines such as Cruise and The Samaritans that offer telephone advice and support
Cruise Bereavement – 08088081677
Samaritans – 116123
I hope this blog has provided some help and advice on how you can help a parent through grief.
For more information on the life stage books I offer, in particular memorial scrap books, in loving memory books and bereavement gifts then please visit my webpage
Or you can reach out to me personally at sabrinahonors@gmail.com
As always thank you so much for reading and thank you for your support.
Sabrina x