Twelve Ways to Help the Bereaved (From Child Loss)

• Be there
• Tolerate silences
• Listen in an accepting and non-judgmental way
• Avoid the use of clichés such as "Think of all the good times", "You can always have another child", etc.
• Encouraging them to talk about the deceased
• Be practical in your support by offering care for living children through funeral planning/arrangements, etc., or providing meals
• Mention the deceased child’s name
• Accept that tears are normal and healthy
• Avoid filling in conversations with a lot of outside news.
• Remember that grief may take many years to work through
• Acknowledge birthdays, death dates, anniversaries, etc.
• Accept that you cannot make them feel better

Adapted from: The Centre for Grief Education, McCulloch House, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, CLAYTON VIC 3168 Australia