Mar 2, 2020 · Learn about the key factors to consider when deciding if your infant or child should attend a funeral, memorial, and/or burial service.

Focus on what is most important for your family: A funeral or memorial service is a way to remember the special life of your child. Personalize the service in ways that are most meaningful to your family. Some families want to be involved in every part of the planning process.

Aug 6, 2024 · When it comes to kids attending funerals, there’s no right or wrong thing to do. Instead, it’s very context-dependent. You need to ask yourself some questions: Is your child anxious, or easily distracted? Does she tend to dwell on things, or do they roll off her back? Is it going to be an open or closed casket? How long will the ceremony be?

Talk with young children about cremation and burial to prevent confusion. Explain that the person being buried or cremated is dead. Dead means that they are not alive anymore. They cannot see, feel or hear anything. They do not breathe, eat, talk, or play. After a person dies, they do not need their body anymore.

May 20, 2018 · As soon as children are able to sit still or react appropriately at family events, they should be given a choice about funerals. Funerals are important family rituals. When they are done well,...

Children need simple and honest information when someone has died so that they can understand what has happened as much as possible. When they are grown up they may not remember specific details of the funeral but they will remember that it was a meaningful, non-threatening experience and that they were involved and included in it.

Jan 15, 2025 · A child funeral is a way to honor a deceased infant, toddler, or young child with a special ceremony. It’s a choice that many families make and, as with any decision about grieving, each family is unique. It is important to evaluate your child’s readiness to attend a service and, when appropriate, provide them with a choice.

Dec 4, 2020 · Children can attend a funeral at any age if you feel comfortable taking them and/or they note that they would like to attend with you. Between the ages of four and seven, children begin to grasp the finality of death and may find the funeral service to be an important aspect of processing their loss.

Aug 30, 2018 · While there’s no perfect answer for every family, having my kids at my mom’s funeral was the right answer for us. If you’re reading this because you’re inclined to give it a try — and some grief and child development experts have encouraged participation on some level for kids as young as preschoolers — I hope these tips will help.

Apr 2, 2024 · Learn how to talk openly about death, prepare your child for a funeral and help them grieve in a healthy way. Funerals, traditionally meant to honor the deceased and offer comfort to mourners, can be overwhelming for young minds.