Losing a child is one of the most tragic things that could happen to anyone. A parent having their son or daughter taken from them will likely be the most painful experience that could possibly be imagined. The grief will be long lasting and change the lives of the family involved forever.

If you are unlucky enough to know a parent, or parents, going through the loss of a child you may want to reach out and show you are there for them if they need you. But trying to find the right words during such a traumatic time is incredibly tricky. A condolence or sympathy card is always a touching gesture but needs to have considered and thoughtful wording. You don’t want to cause offence by saying the wrong thing.

But at the same time you shouldn’t be put off offering sympathy. A message of love that speaks of how sorry you are and the support you can give will always be appreciated. For the parents, just knowing that friends and family are thinking of them whilst they go through such an awful time can alone be comforting. So if you are considering not sending a card or reaching out please don’t be afraid to.

However, there are a few things to be wary of. In your message you should avoid phrases or topics such as:

• It was there time to go
• You must be relieved their suffering is over
• You can still have more children
• It happened for a reason
• God always has a plan

If you are still struggling and aren’t sure what to say or write then try one of the messages below. They should either provide inspiration to write your own or can be copied directly as they are. Just remember to speak from the heart and your card and message will be warmly received.

Words of Sympathy for Loss of Child

I know that there isn’t anything I could say to take away the pain. But please know I’m here for you, whatever you need

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this awful time. We’re here if you need us

There are no words that can explain the sorrow and pain we feel for the loss of your [son/daughter]. They will be greatly missed

Words will seem meaningless so please know that I’m thinking of you constantly. You have my deepest sympathies

There are no right words at this time. We just wanted you to know that you have our full support in whatever you need

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Remember we’re only a phone call away

A child is always with us. First in their lifetime, then forever in our memory

We send you our love and heartfelt prayers that you may find the strength you need to get through each day

I hope you find strength in loved ones and family to help you get through this awful tragedy

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We hope you find some form of peace and comfort in time

I imagine there is no pain deeper than losing a child. My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time

We are truly sorry for your terrible loss. Losing a child is heartbreaking. Our heart aches for you and your family

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear

My words will never be enough to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. But I hope you can take some comfort from knowing I’m thinking of and there for you

No words can express the pain that you are going through. My prayer is that God will give you strength to face the coming days ahead

I’m so sorry for your loss. I can only offer to be with you during this awful time and hopefully provide a shoulder to cry on a source to take strength from

I only wish there was something I could say or do to lessen the pain. You will be in my thoughts and prayers

Whenever you feel ready to talk or want some company then I’ll be there. I’m so deeply sorry you’re having to go through this

May you find comfort in God and the strength he brings as you mourn the loss of your child. My prayers will be for you alone

Words of Sympathy for Loss of Daughter

We know that over time the pain may look likes it’s faded and life has returned to normal. But behind that the memories and grief will last a lifetime. We’re so sorry for your loss

I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I know nothing I say can make it better, and I can’t even begin to imagine what your going through, but please know, even before she was born, she was loved by everyone. She is a beautiful star, a star that will always be in our hearts and our memories

We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together. We are with you during this time of grief

Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Please know you and your entire family are in our constant thoughts

Your little girl will forever be in our hearts, her memory everlasting in those who knew her. Stay strong and know we’re here for you

Words of Sympathy for Loss of a Grown Daughter

I am still in shock about the loss. She was so special to our family, we will miss her dearly. Our heart goes out to you and your family during this tragic time

My condolences to you and your family. Life does not make sense and losing someone as young and loving as [name] is tragic. We will miss her immensely

We are truly sorry for your loss. Our heart aches for you and your family. She was a wonderful person and we will miss her terribly

Nothing I can say will help to ease the pain, but your daughter was an amazing woman who’s warmth and good nature touched all her knew her. I can’t imagine a world without her in it. I’m so sorry for your loss

Words mean little but your daughters generous soul will have created memories for us all to cherish. Her loss is devastating and we’re sorry deeply sorry

Words of Sympathy for Loss of Son

I can’t imagine the heartbreak you are going through. I am so sorry for the loss of your son

I cannot imagine there is a pain more deep and terrible than losing a son. My heart, soul and prayers go out to you at this most harrowing time

I feel lucky to have just known your son. His loss will be felt by everyone and leave a gaping hole in so many lives. Please accept my sincerest condolences

The love and joy that your baby boy brought to us all is something I will forever miss and treasure. I am very sorry for your loss

Your little man was beyond special. His beaming smile and the joy he spread will never be forgotten. We’re so deeply sorry for your loss

Words of Sympathy for the Loss of a Grown Son

Your son was an inspiration to everyone around him. I am so blessed and lucky to have known and called him a friend, and I will keep his spirit alive with the many memories I hold close to my heart

Like everyone who knew your son we will feel his loss so deeply. I hope you can take comfort from knowing how special he was and the amount of people he touched

Love and hugs to you and your family at this deeply sad time. Your son will never be forgotten

Please accept my sympathy for the terrible loss of your son. He will be remembered as the incredible person he was

Your son was loved by all and brought joy to everyone who knew him. Every bit of my heart goes out to you during this most difficult time

I feel so lucky to have been graced by your son’s warm spirit and cheeky smile. He was one of a kind and can never be replaced. I will miss him dearly and send me sincerest condolences

Condolences for Loss of Baby at Birth

I don’t know what to say, I know how awful this must be for you. I’m so sorry and am there for you whatever you need

If you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen then please don’t hesitate. I’m always here for you

You are in my prayers, constantly. I pray you find the strength needed to get through this

Take time to rest and process what has happened. We can be there for anything you need doing. We’re so sorry

The right words are so hard to find. Please know that I’m thinking of you every moment

You have our deepest sympathies. [Child’s name] will never be forgotten

Brief as your child’s life was may we ever remember the joy they brought. Please accept my deepest condolences

Condolences for Loss of Unborn Baby

Having heard the sad news we are sending so much love and prayers to you both. Goodnight, God bless precious baby.

We have just heard the terrible news. Just to let you know we are here for you if you need a comforting shoulder to lean on

If you need a friend to talk to or just someone to sit with in silence, I am here for you

Please be patient with yourself and take all the time you need. Sending you our love and deepest sympathy

We send you our love and heartfelt prayers that you may find the strength you need to get through each day