Should You Bring Children to A Funeral

Should you bring a child to funeral homes Bethlehem, PA? That depends. If the child was too close to the departed soul, then attending the funeral can accelerate the healing journey. But don’t force your child to attend if they don’t want to. 

One important question that many people wonder is whether or not a child should attend a funeral or memorial service. 

 Here is a brief guide explaining the different variables you need to consider when making this decision. 

Explain the Funeral to the Child 

Be sure the child understands what he or she is going to see and feel at the event. Try to answer all their questions about the event and what to expect. Describe what the funeral will be like, talk about the reasons they may want to come, and also the reasons they may not want to come. 

You want the child to make their own decision, but to do that they need all the appropriate information. It’s important for them to understand why people attend funerals at all. And more importantly, how will still be able to say goodbye in other ways if they don’t attend the funeral? 

If a child decides they do wish to attend the funeral after this information, do take them. But here are some tips you should follow: 

1. Guide Them Through the Whole Event 

You may want to involve the child in the service by guiding them about what to do. This includes everything from talking about if there will be a casket – and if it is open casket or closed casket - flowers, photographs, and so on. 

Let them know that there might be many people crying at the event, so they have a visual of what to expect. 

2. Always Accompany Them 

Be sure the child is not alone at the service. Have an adult whose role is to be there with the child to answer questions, explain things, and take them outside, if they want. 

Also, be sure to tell the child that it’s ok to leave during the service if they can’t control their emotions. You’ll be happy to take them outside to take a break. 

3. Bring Distractions 

If it’s the first time the child is going to a funeral service, be sure to bring a distraction like a coloring book or a journal. Sometimes the event is too overwhelming even for the adults and the kid might need a break from the viewing or funeral. 

Make sure they have something to do if they need some space but aren’t ready to go home. This will give them some time to process their thoughts and get over their emotions. 

4. Discuss the Event Afterwards 

Once you come home after the service, talk with your child. Ask how they are feeling about the funeral and whether are they satisfied with the event. Find out if there is anything they are confused about or if something is bothering them. This will give them confidence and trust at funeral homes Bethlehem, PA.