Support Groups for Parents Who Have Lost a Child

Losing a child is heartbreaking.

Losing a child may be the most heartbreaking experience that any adult can go through. Despite feeling all alone in your grief, there are many support groups that you can attend, either online or in person. Support groups for parents who have lost a child can provide emotional, psychological and social support. Parents can share in their bereavement and become a member of a loving and supportive circle of grieving parents.

The Compassionate Friends (TCF)

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) has over 625 chapters, with locations in all 50 states. The national office can also provide phone and email support to bereaved parents. The mission of the TCF is to assist families to resolve their grief in a positive way following the death of a child. TCF offers friendship, support, understanding and hope to parents, grandparents, siblings and relatives. Through the use of local chapters that provide support groups and regular meetings, TCF strives to provide education and support to assist families in their journey of grief.

Grief Net

This organization offers email support groups, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Members are allowed to participate when they want to and when they are able to. A group member can send out an email message at anytime, and all members of the group will get that message. All groups are monitored by trained volunteers, social workers and psychologists, who ensure the groups are getting the support they need and that everyone is doing well. Members are asked to make a small monthly donation, if they are able.

Grief Haven

Providing email support, a chat room, live groups and a newsletter, Grief Haven strives to provide all types of support to it's members. The group was started by a mother who lost her adult child, and aims to provide emotional and psychological support to other parents who have lost children. The email and chat room functions provide support to bereaved parents in 12 foreign countries. Support is given to families, as well as education about local resources in their area, referrals to professional counselors in the parent's area (if needed). The group assists parents in rebuilding their lives after the death of their child and provides the parents ways to honor the child they lost.

Grief Recovery Online for All Bereaved (GROWW)

The GROWW group is online only, created for Widowers and Widows, but now open for all that are bereaved. The group provides support and resources to all that have lost a special someone in their life. The group has active chat rooms and forums, with a rooms specifically for parents who have lost children. Chat rooms allow parents to talk to other parents that have lost children, but they are able to remain anonymous if they chose to. A few times a year, GROWW will offer chats with guest speakers and grief professionals. While GROWW does accept donations, it does not require them to become a member.

References

• Compassionatefriends.org: About
• Griefnet.org
• Griefhaven.org
• GROWW.org: FAQ