Support for my child's friend who has just lost his dad

[ThinkingAboutItNow]

I have just found out that my son's friend's dad has died. I am also friends with the mum. They are divorced. I have name changed as we live in a small community and some details might be identifying so I'm also going to be light on details.

The boys have a close-knit friendship group. They are only 11 years old. What should I be telling my son? How best can he support his friend?

Just to be kind and let his friend talk if he wants to. Winstons wish is a lovely charity who do great work with bereaved children

As PP said, be kind, and be 'normal'.

Right now nothing will be his version of normal, and that will last a while. His home and interactions with family will be filled with sadness, which leeches the air from the room. Even when his family are trying so hard to have a happy, fun day, the sadness is there.

My brother was 5 when my mum died and 12 when my dad died, he had so much sadness, no matter what we tried to do to keep things light.

If you can give him a place where he can just be him, with his friend, playing and eating and having fun without the guilt of thinking he shouldn't have fun. That will be so important to him.

i think be honest with your son about what has happened and explain grief takes many forms and to just be there for his friend and to just be himself and let his friend be himself.

Thank you. He has messaged his friend and sent him hugs and told him he's there for whatever he needs. It's so sad. I will check winstons.