As Father’s Day approaches and we celebrate the father figures in our lives, we must consider those who no longer have their dad in their lives. Though you may have no experience with the death of your dad, nothing is stopping you from being there for your friend(s). Whether this is their first Father’s Day without their dad or their dad passed away at a young age, there are several ways to comfort friends who lost their father.

Even if they are seemingly OK, it doesn’t hurt to check in on your friend whose father is no longer with us. It can be unbearable to watch others celebrate something they no longer have, no matter how strong they are. Here are five ways to comfort friends who lost a father during the holiday.

1. Offer to participate in an activity their father loved.

Everyone grieves differently. Some people prefer to ignore the holiday, especially if their father recently passed. However, others want to honor their father every chance they get. If your friend is up for it, offer to plan an activity they used to do with their dad. Whether it’s going to a baseball game or having a movie night, remain open-minded.

2. Be a good listener.

Sometimes, venting can work wonders for someone’s emotional and mental health. If your friend begins to talk about their dad, try your best to just listen. Remember, being a good listener doesn’t mean sitting there silently. Ask related questions or insert memories you have of their dad (if you knew him). If they begin to cry, let them lean on your shoulder. Trying to keep them from crying will only make them feel worse.

3. Buy them a gift for the holiday.

One of the best ways to comfort friends who lost their father is to let them know that you were thinking of them. An excellent way to do so is to buy them a gift. Consider purchasing something that will remind them of their father. For example, if their father was a coffee lover, buy your friend his favorite coffee. If you are unsure about an item their father liked, flowers and cards are great options.

4. Avoid trying to solve their grief.

Unsolicited advice is annoying to most people and even more so to someone who is grieving. Believe it or not, nothing can solve grief. No one will “get over” the loss of a parent, so do your best not to give solutions. Unfortunately, your friend will need time and space to grieve. If you want to help, simply ask if they need something and provide it if possible.

5. Let them know they are thought of and loved.

Some grievers prefer to be left alone, and that is OK. If your friend prefers to be alone on Father’s Day or recently lost their dad, send them a quick text to let them know they are being thought of. To go the extra mile, send them a letter or a card. Knowing that one of their closest friends is there for them will do more than you think.

For friends who did not have a father or father figure in their lives, these tips are excellent ways to help them cope with the holiday. Father’s Day can be difficult for those who no longer have one, so make sure you are kind and thoughtful.

Which ways to comfort friends who lost their father will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below.

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