5 Ways to Support a Grieving Dad over the Father’s Day Season

Bereaved Father’s Day is a day to honour the Dad’s who have lost a child. It is a day to remember his child and the role he continues to play in his child’s life. Whether his child is in his arms or in his heart, he will always be a Dad. This year Bereaved Father’s Day falls on Sunday August 29th.

Only a week later is traditional Father’s Day. The lead up to Father’s Day can be quite tough, filled with anxiety, sadness and confusion. During this time it is integral that Dad’s feel supported and honoured, especially considering the current climate, in which lock downs are being enforced and isolation is setting in.

If you are unsure of what you can do to support the bereaved Dad in your life, here are 5 ideas on how to make his day a little easier:

1. Acknowledgement
   Acknowledging the day and his role in his child’s life is arguably one of the most important things you can do on Bereaved Father’s Day. Letting him know you are thinking of him and supporting him in this time is a gift like no other and really allows him to feel as though others are remembering his child and his identity as a Dad.

2. Give a gift, a card, a coffee or a call
   Although not expected, a small gift or sentiment can really turn the day into something special and positive. If you aren’t able to give a gift, a handwritten card or a takeaway coffee is generally just as significant in a day that can feel emotionally draining. If you don’t live nearby, or are currently affected by the lockdowns in Australia, a call is just as important.

3. Plan ahead
   Ask him how he wishes to spend his day. Would he prefer to be alone, or have company? Would he rather stay in or get out of the house? Maybe he’d like to do something special, or maybe he’d rather treat the day as any other. Whatever he decides, it’s important to stand by his decision and respect his needs. During lockdown, if he feels as though he needs company to get through the day, organise a video call or a gaming session online. Order him a meal on Menulog or UberEats. Think outside the box to really make him feel supported and understood.

4. Say their name
   This one is pretty simple. Speak his child’s name. Let him know you are thinking of his child. Don’t be afraid that you will ‘remind’ him or upset him. He thinks about his child every single day and speaking their name keeps their memory alive.

5. Pledge to be a Beards campaigner next Beards season
   Maybe you want to make a gesture but haven’t had the time to organise something. Or maybe lockdown is making things too tricky but you really want to show your support. Consider pledging to fundraise next Beard season in the Beards of Hope campaign in his child’s memory. Every year from June 1st to August 31st, men all around Australia grow their beards to raise funds and awareness for Bears of Hope, braving the shave in September. The funds raised during their campaign fund Couples Weekends and Men's Weekends (Sport & Support Weekends) as well as other Bears Of Hope objectives.

No matter what you do this Father’s Day season, as long as you are making him feel loved, acknowledged and supported, you can’t go wrong. If you can take 2 things away from the above information, let it be this:

• Dad’s grieve too - Dad’s need support too.

• Speak their child’s name - you aren’t reminding him; he hasn’t forgotten.

If you or someone you know needs additional support over the Father’s Day period, visit our support page for a range of contacts that are available to support at this time.

If you wish to make a donation in his child’s name, you can find our Beards of Hope campaign linked here.

Wishing all Dad’s of angel babies a gentle and fulfilling Bereaved Father’s Day.

So much love,

Jess xxx