Offer practical support
Such as meals, shopping, gardening, errands, lifts, etc. Especially in the early days.
Don’t judge
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Especially don’t say “you should…” or you ‘shouldn’t…”.
Listen well
Grieving people often need to talk about their grief and sometimes it’s okay to just sit in silence.
Avoid platitudes
Such as “At least you have other children”, “It was meant to be”, “It’s God’s will”, “Maybe God wanted another angel”, etc. Well meant statements like these are unhelpful and often hurtful.
You can’t fix it
No one can take away the pain and sadness but knowing that people care is comforting and healing.
Accept that everyone grieves differently
Grief is a normal and natural response to loss but everyone grieves differently.
Accept a wide variety of emotions
Such as sadness, anger, confusion, fear, guilt, relief, etc. Such varied emotions are a natural response tothe death of a loved one.
Use the name of the lost loved one
Allow the grieving person to talk of their loved one and to use their name.
Don’t say “I understand”
Or “I know how you feel”. Individual grief is so complex that no-one else can really understand how an individual feels.
Don’t assume
People who are grieving aren’t necessarily showing it.