Should I Take My Child to a Funeral Service?
If you are attending a service at a funeral home in North Battleford, SK., you may wonder if you should take your children. While there is no right or wrong answer as this is based on the individual child and circumstances, there are a few things to consider helping you make the choice easier.
Did Your Child Know the Deceased?
If the child didn’t know the deceased or have any connection to them, it may be better if they skip the funeral. This is entirely appropriate and might make things easier on you in this difficult time.
Talk and Explain the Situation
If your child did know the deceased or have a connection to them and you wish for them to attend the funeral, it is suggested that you talk with them before the services. Of course what you say and how much information you get into will depend on their age and maturity level. You want to be honest with them about what is going on while keeping it age appropriate.
Discuss What They Can Expect and What You Expect from Them
It is also a good idea to discuss what they may expect at the service. Let them know they will see people crying and maybe a casket. Explain how it will be a quiet place and they may have soft music. Letting them know what to expect will help them feel more comfortable once they are there.
Also, take this time to discuss with them what you expect their behavior to be. For example, talk about some things they should and/or shouldn’t do. If they are older and are wanting to talk to the family, perhaps help them with preparing something they can say.
Tips for Younger Children
If you have younger children, make sure to take something that is quiet to keep them busy. You don’t want them fidgeting and making a scene in the middle of the service. You might also conder taking a snack for them just make sure it doesn’t crumble or make a mess.
If they do start to fidget or begin crying, take them out of the room right away. You want to show respect to the family of the loved one as well as honor the event and having your child creating a scene in the middle of it is not the way to do that. Don’t hesitate to take them out of the room and not return until they are fully composed again.
Final Thoughts
You know your children best. You know what they are capable of and how long they are willing to sit still. If you think they have the maturity level to attend the service and you are comfortable, then, by all means, let them go.
However, if you have your doubts that they can be still and/or quiet for that long or you don’t feel like they are ready to learn about death as a part of life, it might be best to leave them with a sitter or friends.
If you are still not sure if your child should attend services at a funeral home in North Battleford, SK, call Martens Warman Funeral Home, LTD., and let their experienced staff help guide you. Their knowledgeable and caring staff is always available to help answer any questions you may have.
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