;l.//op’.,It’s not always easy to know how to comfort a grieving mother after the loss of her child. That’s why we’ve put together this list of comforting things you can say to her when she is suffering from the heartbreak of losing her child or children, even if it was a long time ago, or she never had them in the first place. There’s no way to truly heal the pain and anguish of losing someone you love dearly, but these comforting phrases will help at least show your support.
Get her something
A thoughtful bereavement gift can make all of the difference when you’re dealing with grief. If you are very close to someone who recently lost a loved one, then you may want to get her something that she would have gotten for her departed loved one. For example, if they used to go on long walks together, take your friend out for tea and a long walk. Being able to spend time doing what they used to do together is an important way of comforting and supporting someone who has lost someone close to them. You might also want to write down some memories or some kind words about their loved one; it’s helpful for bereaved mothers not only to hear how much their loved ones were appreciated but also just how many people cared about them.
Listen carefully
Listening is one of our greatest skills. It’s easy to dismiss others and ignore their problems because we don’t want to be bothered, but when it comes to helping bereaved mothers, listening attentively can mean more than you know. First and foremost, you need to actually listen and not just zone out while thinking about what you’re going to say next or how you’re going to respond. Always ask open-ended questions so that she feels like she’s being heard. She wants someone who will hear her pain, not try to reason away her emotions or fix things for her. After all, nothing can take away her pain except time—and maybe not even that!
Let her know she’s not alone
Everyone grieves differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. If you know someone who has lost a loved one, remember that grieving is different for everyone. If possible, do things with her that she likes to do—something she enjoyed before her loss will help comfort her in difficult times. Keep in mind, though, that while she may be more open to seeing friends during a time of bereavement, it can still be hard for others to know what to say or how best to be supportive.
Ask how you can help her
The first step to comforting a bereaved mother is figuring out how you can help her. Some women might want to be left alone, while others might appreciate some help doing errands or cleaning their house. Whatever they need, ask her. Women who have lost children often feel guilty that they’re not enough for their families, so try your best to keep them from feeling overwhelmed. When she mentions something she needs help with, offer your services and ask if she needs anything else before you go. And make sure to follow up — it can be easy for people in mourning to forget what they said they needed when they’re busy grieving, so be certain you hear exactly what they’d like from you before heading off on your own way.
Our bereavement periods can be very difficult and lonely. If you still don’ t know if what you’re doing is enough, find other ways to support bereaved mothers through various online support groups or in person.
