What Do You Say to Someone Whose Parent Has Just Died — What’s Actually Helpful?
There are no perfect words, and in this video James explains why that is fine. What helps is being genuine: reach out, show you care, offer specific practical assistance, and then give the family room to grieve. James covers the mistake well-meaning friends make, swarming with constant check-ins, when space matters as much as support. Watch the video above for his advice. If you are the one helping, it is also worth knowing the first practical steps after a family member dies.
Read the video transcript
Yeah, I just think obviously just being genuine and showing you’re a real friend, reaching out to see if they need assistance, and obviously also giving them a bit of time to breathe. Sometimes I think people think that they need to reach out and kind of swarm around the family and make them meals or check in on them regularly, but some time to themselves to grieve is also very important. You know your friends best, so make a judgement call. But I would recommend just showing that you care and that you’re there if they need to speak or if they need anything, but also giving the family some time to grieve and some time to themselves.
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