How to Help a Grieving Daughter

When your daughter experiences a loss, it can be hard to know what to say or do to help. If your daughter is mourning the loss of a loved one, she is going through an emotionally shattering experience that can leave her feeling completely devastated. Although it's not always easy, there are a lot of ways you can help her. According to Help Guide, the most important thing is showing that you care.

Instructions

• 1

  Offer a shoulder to cry on, but don't press it. In the beginning, it's likely that your daughter is experiencing a host of different emotions, and she may not be ready to talk. According to psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her book, "On Death and Dying," the first response to a death is usually denial or wanting to be alone. If she wants to be alone, give her space.

• 2

  Express your concern. Make empathic statements such as, "I can imagine how difficult this is for you," or, "I know you're in a lot of pain right now." Statements like this can go a long way in comforting your daughter and letting her know that you care.

• 3

  Help her with day-to-day tasks, such as bill paying, child care or housekeeping. According to Help Guide, asking for assistance with practical matters can be difficult for someone who's grieving. Offer to help without waiting to be asked.

• 4

  Invite your daughter to do something enjoyable outside of the house, even if it's just going for a walk in the park or seeing a movie. If she declines your invitation, don't push it, but invite her again at a later date.

• 5

  Suggest making a memorial of the deceased person, such as putting together a photo album, planting a tree or another activity your daughter finds meaningful. It's often helpful and cathartic for mourners to have a tangible object that reminds them of their lost loved one.

• 6

  Encourage your daughter to seek professional counseling if she feels that she's unable to function in her usual life after several weeks. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there's no "normal" amount of time for grieving. Depression and anger are normal responses to a death and don't always require professional intervention. However, if she shows clinical signs of depression or anxiety, such as weight loss, sleep problems or anxiety, she may find it helpful to talk to a professional.