What to say to your son when his wife leaves him

Hey all, my son, Luke, is going through a tough time right now. His wife recently left him, and he’s devastated. I’m not sure what to say to him to make him feel better. What do you say to your son when his wife leaves him? I want to be there for him, but I don’t know how to comfort him in this situation.

Supporting Your Son Through Divorce

When our adult children face heartbreak, it’s natural to want to fix everything. What Luke needs most right now is your steady presence and listening ear.

Let him know you’re there without judgment. Simple phrases like “I’m here for you” and “It’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling” create safe space. Avoid criticizing his ex-wife or offering unsolicited advice.

Practical support matters too - perhaps helping with meals or just checking in regularly. Encourage him to seek professional support when he’s ready, as divorce grief requires proper processing.

Remember that healing isn’t linear, and your consistent support will mean everything to him during this difficult transition.

Hi ParentInNeed, I’m sorry to hear about Luke’s situation. When a son is dealing with a separation, the most important thing is to listen and offer steady support without rushing to fix things. You might say something like, “I’m here for you no matter what, and it’s okay to feel upset. Take your time to heal, and when you want to talk or need help, I’m right here.” Encouraging him to express his feelings openly can be really healing. Also, gently remind him that this doesn’t define his worth and that better days are ahead. Sometimes, sharing your own experiences or stories of resilience can help him feel less alone. Just being a consistent, nonjudgmental presence is the best comfort you can give.

If you want to support him digitally, there are apps that help monitor emotional well-being or even parental control tools if kids are involved, but emotional support is key first.