Losing a child is everyone’s worst nightmare. It’s not the way things are supposed to happen; so how do you support someone you love through something you’re uncomfortable even thinking about?

Here are 5 tips for supporting a grieving parent:

• Accept their unique experience. Everyone’s grief journey is different, so acknowledging their individual process is crucial.
• Avoid blame and guilt. Healing doesn’t come from dwelling on what could have been done differently.
• Embrace their way of finding meaning. Let them navigate their own path to making sense of the loss, whether through religion, memorials, or awareness efforts.
• Keep their child’s memory alive. Share stories, photos, and memories to honor their child’s legacy, even beyond the first year.
• Be realistic with support. Understand there’s no “getting over” child loss; it’s about being there for them and helping them accept their reality.