The death of a child is a traumatic experience that not only affects the family to which it has happened, but also everyone around who cares about the family—including you. You’ve seen the pain and now you want to help in some way that goes beyond dropping off a casserole and baked beans.
The holidays are an especially difficult time for bereaved families. For ideas on how to help during this time of the year, read:
Help for the Holidays: How Family and Friends Can Offer Support (PDF) ----------------------
TCF’s brochure
How Can I Help . . . When a Child Dies will give you a good starting point on what you can do—both now and in the future.
Understanding Grief . . . When Your Child Dies is another TCF brochure that provides some insight into what the parents feel.
If you really want insight into what bereaved parents will be up against in the short term, please read our website page
To the Newly Bereaved. You may find this hard to believe, but parents who have reviewed this termed it "spot on."
Suggestions for Teachers and School Counselors
No matter what your relation is to the grieving family, The Compassionate Friends can help. Suggest that the family contact TCF’s National Office at 877-969-0010. We’ll be happy to put together a customized packet of materials specifically chosen to apply to the situation at hand. We’ll also be glad to provide contact information to the nearest TCF chapter, one where the parents, adult siblings, and grandparents can all gather with others who understand, because they, too, are mourning the death of a child.
Thank you for caring enough for those left behind after the death of a child to visit The Compassionate Friends national website seeking to learn how you can provide support.