Bereaved Parents Awareness Month: Supporting Grieving Parents

When you hold your newborn in your arms, never would any parent imagine losing them.

Isn’t it the children’s role to take care of and finally bid farewell to their parents after a certain age?

But what if it’s the other way around?

In this solemn observance of Bereaved Parents Month, let’s study the profound journey of parents who have experienced the unimaginable grief of losing a child. 

Discover the genuine support and ways to honor the strength, resilience, and love that bind grieving parents in their path toward healing.

What is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month? 

July is Bereaved Parents Month. While we may have heard this, how much do we know about the bereaved parent month?

Let’s first learn what is a bereaved parent.

A bereaved parent is an individual who has experienced the profound and devastating loss of a child. 

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, observed throughout July, stands as an emotional recognition of the emotional labyrinth faced by parents who have lost a child. 

This dedicated month serves as a vital platform for raising awareness, support, and understanding for those navigating the unfathomable journey of grief and loss. 

It aims to highlight the unique challenges, foster compassion, and provide resources to assist grieving parents in their healing process. 

Bereaved Parents Month is a time to honor the resilience, strength, and enduring love of these parents while encouraging open conversations about the complexities of bereavement and the crucial need for support within communities.

As parents, how do you navigate grief? Is it okay to seek help?

We might still know how to grieve a parent and even what to say when someone loses a parent, but what about losing a child?

Navigating the journey of grief as a parent following the loss of a child is an immensely intricate and deeply personal journey. 

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month allows us to understand this dark journey. Here are just some ways parents grieve for this child. 

1. Embrace the unfolding emotions

Grief is not a linear journey.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions – waves of sorrow, anger, guilt, and even

moments of calm. Allowing oneself to experience these emotions without judgment is crucial..

2. Practice self-compassion

The journey of grief often comes with feelings of guilt and self-blame. It’s vital to remind oneself that the circumstances are beyond control. Self-compassion and self-care are essential in this journey toward healing.

3. Seek support

Creating a network of understanding friends and family or connecting with support groups specifically designed for bereaved parents can offer solace. Sharing experiences and feelings within a supportive community helps lighten the burden of grief.

4. Professional guidance 

Seeking professional support from therapists, counselors, or grief specialists can provide coping strategies and a safe space to express complex emotions.

5. Honoring the child’s memory

Finding ways to honor and commemorate the child’s memory can be healing. Creating a memory box, planting a tree, or participating in activities celebrating the child’s life can bring comfort.

6. Communication within relationships

Grieving affects relationships differently. Open communication with your partner, understanding that each may suffer in their unique way, is crucial. Supporting each other through this challenging time is essential.

7. Self-care and patience 

Taking care of yourself physically and even emotionally is essential. Engaging in activities that provide solace and comfort is vital. Grieving parents should allow themselves the patience to heal at their own pace.

8. Routine and stability 

Grief disrupts routine, but establishing structure in daily life can provide stability during tumultuous times. Simple habits offer a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.

9. Recognizing triggers

One of the most important goals of bereaved parents month is to recognize triggers for parents. 

Specific dates, places, or items may act as triggers, intensifying grief. Being aware of these triggers can help in preparing oneself emotionally and seeking support when needed.

10. Advocacy and creating meaning

Some parents find solace in advocating for causes related to their child’s circumstances. Supporting initiatives, raising awareness, or creating a legacy in their child’s honor can provide a sense of purpose during this challenging time.

In essence, Bereaved Parents Month helps a grieving parent cope after losing a child is an ongoing and complex journey.

Bereaved parents: How to support them

“Is July bereaved parents month? How do I support my parents after losing my sibling?”

Do you have a friend who lost their child? Maybe you are a child who wants to assist your parents as they grieve for your sibling. 

Bereaved Parents Month aims to support grieving parents in coping with their loss. 

The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy that reshapes a parent’s world, leaving a void that can never be filled. 

Here are ways to extend meaningful support

1. Show empathy and presence

Be present and offer a listening ear without judgment. Express empathy and understanding. Sometimes, silence and a compassionate presence speak volumes.

2. Avoid clichés and offer authenticity

Refrain from clichéd phrases like “It was meant to be” or “Time heals all wounds.” Instead, offer genuine expressions of support such as, “I’m here for you” or “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

3. Practical assistance

Offer concrete help in daily tasks. From meal preparations to running errands or childcare for other children, such support can alleviate the burden during a trying time.

4. Respect their grieving process

Understand that grief is individual. Some might want to talk, while others may seek solitude. Respect their way of coping and be patient with their emotions.

5. Remember their child

Mention their child’s name and share fond memories if appropriate. Acknowledging their child’s existence is comforting for many bereaved parents.

6. Provide ongoing support

Grief doesn’t dissipate after a few weeks or months. Continuous support is crucial, even when the initial shock has passed.

7. Create safe spaces for expression

Encourage them to share their feelings, either with you or in a supportive environment. This could be through creative outlets like art, writing, or support groups.

8. Acknowledge special days

Anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays can be particularly tough. Reach out during these times to show your support and care.

9. Be patient and understanding

Grieving is a long process. Be patient and understanding, offering support without placing a timeline on their healing.

10. Respect individual boundaries

Understand if they need time alone or are not ready to talk. Respect their need for space without taking it personally.

11. Educate Yourself

Learn about grief, its complexities, and how it affects parents. This knowledge can guide you in offering more empathetic and informed support.

12. Support groups and resources

Point them toward bereavement support groups, counselors, or helpful resources that specialize in aiding parents dealing with loss.

Do you feel like you’re alone dealing with your problems?

You can change this situation by learning 10 steps to open up and make new friends. Kati Morton, a licensed therapist, shares her amazing insight into opening up. Watch here:

13. Normalize grief conversations

Break the stigma around discussing grief and loss. Encourage open conversations in the community, workplace, and social circles.

14. Long-term support

Continue your support even when others might have moved on. Regularly check in, showing that you’re there for the long haul.

15. Respect their journey

Every parent’s journey through grief is different. Avoid comparing their grief to others or trying to fix things; instead, provide support based on their unique needs.

FAQs 

Explore answers to common queries offering insights into supporting bereaved parents, not just this Bereaved Parents Month, but throughout their journey.

• What is Bereaved Parents Day?

Bereaved Parents Day, also known as Bereaved Parents Month, is recognized annually in July. It aims to raise awareness of the grief parents experience after the loss of a child. 

Bereaved Parents Month acknowledges the profound loss experienced by parents, offering a platform for them to express grief and find solace within a compassionate community, sharing their stories and memories.

• When is bereaved parents awareness month observed?

“How long is bereavement leave for a parent? Is bereaved parents month that long?”

Usually, you are allowed to have three days’ leave for the death of an immediate family.

For the whole month of July, Bereaved Parents Month aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by parents who have lost a child.

It helps bereaved parents by providing support, guidance, and resources for healing and remembrance.

• How do you show support to a grieving parent?

Show support to a grieving parent by offering a compassionate presence, listening without judgment, and providing practical assistance like meals or errands. 

Respect their unique grieving process, acknowledging their child and memories. 

Be patient, offer ongoing support, and create safe spaces for them to express their emotions. 

Normalize conversations about grief and provide long-term, understanding care. 

It’s essential to do this not only during Bereaved Parents Month but as often as possible.

• What is the best advice for grieving parents?

The best advice for grieving parents as we remember Bereaved Parents Month is to allow themselves to grieve without judgment or pressure, understanding that the process is unique to each individual. 

Seek support from understanding sources, be it friends, professionals, or support groups. 

Overall, embrace self-compassion, honor the child’s memory, and allow time for healing without rushing the process.

Don’t let them grieve alone

Navigating the daunting path of grief as a bereaved parent requires patience, self-compassion, and understanding. 

Honoring the child’s memory, seeking support, and embracing the individuality of the healing process are essential. 

Bereaved Parents Month helps us to take time and realize the importance of support for the people who are still suffering.