Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate the women who inspire us every day with their love and care. For grieving mothers, this day can amplify feelings of loss and bring with it a flood of difficult emotions. At Sunset View Cemetery, our caring staff members realize that the pain of grief after child loss can feel more intense on a day dedicated to honoring motherhood. We encourage families in El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Kensington to support grieving mothers during this time. If you’re unsure how to show up for these brave women, consider trying one of these helpful tips.

Acknowledge their grief.

One of the most meaningful things you can do on Mother’s Day is reach out to a grieving mother and acknowledge her loss. Call and ask how she’s doing or text a simple, heartfelt message like, “I’m thinking of you today. Let me know if you need anything.”  Try to avoid using clichéd phrases or dismissive language that minimizes their pain. Instead, let them know they can express their emotions freely without fear of judgment.

Offer to meet up with them in a casual setting.

While some grieving mothers may wish to stay at home in quiet reflection on the holiday, others may appreciate a laidback meeting with an understanding friend. Extend an invitation to the mother offering to spend the day however they wish. Perhaps you simply meet up and share a coffee or light a candle in honor of their loved one.

Provide practical assistance.

Grieving a loss can be emotionally and physically exhausting, leaving you with little energy to perform everyday tasks. Simple acts of kindness, like delivering a homemade meal, running errands, or helping with childcare, can alleviate some of the stress. These small but significant gestures demonstrate how much you care and remind grieving mothers that they are not alone.

Encourage professional support when needed.

For mothers struggling to cope with grief after the loss of a child, professional support can make a positive change. Encourage the mother to seek in-person support from a grief counselor, support group, or spiritual leader. Providing contact numbers or offering to go with them to meetings can make the process of seeking expert help less daunting. 

As we hold space for grieving mothers on this important holiday, we want to remind their families and friends to provide support whenever possible. With a thoughtful gesture or a kindhearted phone call, you can help make this challenging day a little less lonely. If you or a loved one needs aftercare services, visit our website or contact us anytime.