Grief and Loss: Loss of a Child

Losing a child is an unimaginable pain—one that changes everything. It shatters the past, reshapes the future, and leaves a grief that may never fully fade. The heartbreak is profound. And because parents aren’t meant to outlive their children, even the loss of an adult child can feel just as crushing.

About Grief

Grief doesn’t follow a straight path, and no two people experience it the same way. The way a parent grieves can be shaped by many things—cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and the circumstances of their child’s death. Some losses, like a miscarriage, may feel less visible to others but are no less painful.

There are no rules for grieving, no “right” way to process loss. The emotions come in waves—denial, anger, sadness, even brief moments of acceptance—only to shift again. And grief is layered. Parents don’t just mourn their child; they grieve the sound of their laugh, future birthdays, the milestones they’ll never see. It’s a loss that touches every part of life.

The Weight of Grief

Losing a child brings overwhelming emotions—sadness, guilt, fear, even anger. It can make everyday life feel impossible. Some parents worry constantly about their other children, while others feel a deep emptiness that makes everything seem meaningless. It’s not uncommon to feel resentment toward families who still have what was lost or to struggle with faith and beliefs. Even within a family, grief looks different for everyone, and parents may find themselves at odds with each other’s ways of coping.

Grief isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. It can bring exhaustion, loss of appetite, difficulty focusing, and even feelings of hopelessness. Some parents may withdraw from things they once loved, while others might feel pressure to keep moving forward too soon. When the weight of grief feels unbearable, it’s important to reach out for help.

Ways to Cope

• Lean on others. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to trusted friends, a counselor, a support group, or a faith community. Sometimes, just talking with someone who understands can be a lifeline.
• Hold onto routine. In the chaos of grief, small routines—whether it’s a daily walk, a morning cup of coffee, or a favorite TV show—can provide a sense of stability.
• Stay open. Talking about your child might seem difficult at first but remembering them can help the healing process. When memories and stories are brought up, use your child’s name and reminisce openly with others. Never feel like you are inconveniencing others with your grief.
• Prepare for difficult days. Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays will be hard, especially the first year. Think ahead about how you want to spend these days—whether that means creating a new tradition, visiting a special place, or simply allowing yourself space to grieve.
• Release the guilt. Grief is exhausting, and it’s okay if some things—housework, work deadlines, or social events—fall by the wayside. If you need help, ask for it. People often want to support you but may not know how.

Supporting Other Children

If you have other children, they’re grieving too—just in their own way. Here are some ways to help them process the loss:

• Let them be involved. Ask if they’d like to take part in a memorial or find a way to honor their sibling. This helps them feel seen in their grief.
• Avoid comparisons. Don’t hold them up to the sibling they lost, even in small ways. Every child deserves to be valued for who they are.
• Find balance. It’s natural to want to protect your other children more but try not to let fear take over. If you’re struggling, lean on family, friends, or a counselor to help give you and them the support they need.

Finding Meaning After Loss

The pain of losing a child never truly disappears, but over time, healing is possible. Finding ways to honor your child’s life—whether through a memorial, volunteering, or supporting a cause they loved—can create a lasting legacy. There’s no one right way to move forward, only the way that feels right for you.

Grief is love with nowhere to go—but love doesn’t end. It stays, woven into memories, carried in the hearts of those who remain. And even in the darkest moments, you are not alone.

Sources:

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Grieving the loss of a child Opens in a new window. Accessed January 26, 2023.

Cancer.net. Grieving the loss of a child. Opens in a new window Published December 19, 2023. Accessed January 26, 2023.

National Library of Medicine. Bereavement experiences after the death of a child Opens in a new window. Published 2023. Accessed January 26, 2023.

Last updated: April 30, 2025

By: © PAS Wellbeing Media, LLC. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.