Supporting Bereaved Fathers: Navigating Father’s Day After Child Loss

As Father’s Day approaches, we acknowledge this can be a profoundly difficult time for many, especially for dads who have experienced the loss of a child. Many grieving fathers find it challenging to express that they are a dad, even when their child is no longer here.

This Father’s Day, we want to honour and remember all bereaved fathers. Your feelings are valid, and your journey through grief matters.

Coping with Father’s Day Grief: Self-Care Tips for Dads

Navigating Father’s Day after child loss requires immense strength and self-compassion. Here are some self-care tips for grieving dads:

• Plan ahead: Think about what would be most helpful for you on this day. Be compassionate with yourself, accept that it may be a tough day, and give yourself permission to feel sad.
• Continuing bonds: The bond we share with our loved ones is permanent, even after their death. You can honour this bond by visiting a special place that reminds you of your child, listening to their favourite music, spending time outdoors, or writing them a note. These actions can help you connect with your emotions and cherish their memory.
• Reach out for support: Connecting with other dads who understand your experience can be incredibly helpful. Many organisations offer in-person groups, online forums (like WhatsApp or Facebook groups), or peer-to-peer befriending support.
• Fundraising in memory: Consider taking on a fundraising challenge for a cause important to you, linked to your child’s memory. This can be a meaningful way to honour them.
• Prioritise your well-being: Finding healthy outlets to express your emotions can empower you to better support your partner and cope with daily life. Remember, finding what works for you is key.

Useful Resources for Bereaved Fathers and Families

Many families have found the following organisations to be incredibly supportive, offering advice, support, and resources for dads, families, and friends:

Child Bereavement UK: Provides support for dads, families, and friends who have experienced child loss. Helpline: 0800 0288840
The Lullaby Trust: Offers baby loss support for families. Helpline: 0808 802 6868
The Compassionate Friends: Provides support for all family members. Helpline: 0345 123 2304
Footprints Baby Loss: Specifically supports dads who have experienced the loss of a twin. Email: support@footprintsbabyloss.org

Ways to Remember a Child on Father’s Day

There are many ways to mark the day and remember your child on Father’s Day including:

• Take a walk outdoors whilst thinking and talking about them.
• Visit a place that reminds you of them or was special to them.
• Light a candle, play their favourite music, or display a cherished photo.
• Plant seeds or a flower that you can return to and think of them.

Advice for Family & Friends to Support Bereaved Dads

Often, the grief of fathers can be overlooked, with support primarily focused on mothers. Dads are often expected to be an unwavering source of strength for their partners and families. However, supporting bereaved dads is crucial. Grieving fathers need compassion and understanding just as much as anyone else. Checking in on both partners is incredibly important. Here’s how family and friends can support grieving fathers:

• Be patient and understanding
• Have regular check-ins
• Encourage them to share how they’re feeling
• Help him to connect with others
• Offer practical support like childcare, school runs, household chores, or gardening