How to Assist a Grieving Mother
It's perhaps impossible to fully understand the pain of a mother who's lost a child. Whether the loss was foreseen or unexpected, they can and should be comforted. According to the American Hospice Foundation, the most important steps include attending to her physical needs, listening and encouraging her to talk about her loss, making sure she gets the care she needs, allowing her to express her grief and acknowledging with her any important dates and anniversaries that might make the pain especially hard.
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Instructions
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Offering Comfort
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Attend to her physical needs, from where she sits to what she eats. Create a comfortable and quiet place to visit with her, and be sure that food is brought in for an extended period of care through your support team.
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Listen to her talk about her loss, making sure not to interrupt or criticize what is said. Follow up with conversation that appropriately encourages her to share more.
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Make sure she gets the care she personally needs, including emotional or financial counseling that might be required.
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Allow her to express her grief in whatever form she sees fit. Offer a journal as an option if she is having trouble getting started.
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Acknowledge with her any important dates and anniversaries that might make the pain especially hard. Commit to be with her on those days or make sure that someone from your support team is available.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage the grieving mother to take part in a support group. Find one locally for her by contacting the local hospital or yellow pages under grief support services.
Understand that someone who is grieving might go through a spiritual crisis. Support this process by listening instead of engaging in a religious debate. Seek outside support from an appropriate minister as needed.
References
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