Advice on funeral etiquette, please....?

The biggest mistake people make sometimes is trying to say too much. If you aren't very close to the person, a simple "I am so very sorry for your loss" said with obvious feeling is all that you need to say. If the grieving person responds with anything, then you just let the conversation take it's course.

Since you said you only briefly knew probably the best thing to say is I'm sorry for you loss. If you wanted to do more, you could place a small donation in the boys name to a charity that helps with cancer in children.

sometimes the wisest thing to say is nothig at all. It may not make sense but you're dealing with an emotional family and everything is extra sensitive at the moment. Since you didn't know them that well, it's just best to attend the funeral.

The proper thing to do is to offer them your condolence. Make sure you don't avoid the parents, all the mourners will be offering them symmpathy. Just tell them you are sorry for their loss. They are in so much pain right now, they probably won't even remember talking to you ten minutes after you are gone.

I was reading an article last week about this , since you don't know these people too well pay your visitation to the funeral home, shake their hands expressing your condolences don't ask any question on how and when , and leave.

It is so very hard in this situation, but I've learned to just say that I/we are sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you and your family. If there is an awkward moment after that,I would just ask if there is anything I could do to help.

Just tell them that you are sorry for their loss. Platitudes like "he is in a better place now" or assigning some type of greater meaning or purpose to his death will ring hollow or even dismissive of their grief. Unless you have some special story about their son to share just keep it simple.

I like to add a personal touch. I would keep it simple but something to the effect of, "My daughter has known your son since kindergarden. [Add a point here that your daughter remembers him by that might be of comfort to the family] He will be very much missed. If there is anything we can do, please let us know." To show you are sincere, add your phone number to the condolence card.

OMG! How awful! You should introduce yourself. Say something like, "Hi, I am (your daughter's name)'s mom. I wanted to stop by and pay my respect to you and your family. I know this must be a really difficult time for you. My prayers are with you and your family". Somethinig like that.

You don't really need to say anything, my cousin who is a chaplain told me,,, just be a non anxious presence in the room.