At Sunset View Cemetery, our compassionate staff members know how difficult it is to lose a loved one. When this person is your child, it’s even more devastating. Holding a funeral for their own son or daughter is something most parents never expect to have to do. Out of acknowledgement of Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, we want to encourage families in Oakland, El Cerrito, and El Sobrante to support the grieving parents in their lives. Here are some ways to let them know you are there for them.

  1. Speak their child’s name.

Talking honestly about grief is painful for many people. When you mention a child’s name to bereaved parents, it welcomes them to openly share stories about them. Invite your grieving friends to remember their child and speak their name and be ready to listen to them. This kind of conversation can be a healing experience for everyone involved. If you don’t feel quite ready to speak to them in person about their child, send them a heartfelt sympathy card to let them know you care about them.

  1. Respect their privacy.

Everyone experiences intense grief differently. Some bereaved parents may wish to be left alone in their grief until some time has passed. Bereavement is impossible to predict, so take cues from the parents themselves as far as when a good time might be to approach them.

  1. Offer to help them with practical tasks.

Sometimes it’s the little, everyday things that slip by us when we’re experiencing deep pain or loss. Offer to help grieving parents accomplish simple chores like walking their dog or watering house plants. Keep in mind that occasionally those who are grieving don’t necessarily know what they need or what would be helpful, so take initiative to do things for them.

  1. Remember the siblings.

Experiencing grief as a child is disorienting and painful. If the grieving parents you know have other children at home, take some time to connect with them and talk about their brother or sister if they feel ready to do so. Give them space to cry or to simply sit in silence.

If you live in the Bay Area and would like to learn more about our grief recovery resources, contact us today. Our funeral experts are here 24/7 to advise families on funeral, burial, and cremation services.