Table of Contents
- 1 Is it appropriate to bring a child to a funeral?
- 2 How do you handle an open casket at a funeral?
- 3 At what age should a child attend a wake?
- 4 Should a 2 year old go to a funeral?
- 5 What do you tell a 3 year old about death of a grandparent?
- 6 Why do people want open casket funerals?
- 7 Is it appropriate to have children present at a funeral?
- 8 Can I hire a babysitter for a funeral or memorial service?
- 9 What is the purpose of a funeral?
Is it appropriate to bring a child to a funeral?
As a general guideline, children should be allowed to attend a wake, funeral and burial if they want to. They can also be involved in the funeral planning. Joining family members for these rituals gives the child a chance to receive grief support from others and say goodbye in their own way to the person who has died.
How do you handle an open casket at a funeral?
If they have an open casket viewing, make sure you follow proper funeral etiquette:
- DON’T touch the body under any circumstances. Sometimes the casket has a glass to prevent this from happening.
- DO stand by the coffin and get closer.
- DON’T make any comments on their appearance.
- DO give family space.
At what age should a child attend a wake?
Is the casket open? There are many factors. A wake with an open casket can be very traumatic for kids — but a funeral Mass is a celebration of life and is likely appropriate for any age. My daughter would likely not attend a wake until she was 9 or 10, but a funeral Mass depends on how the child behaves in Mass.”
Is it OK to bring a 2 year old to a funeral?
Many myths about the needs of grieving children exist, and chief among these is that the age of the child dictates whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service. The reality is that a child’s age should never dictate whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service.
Should I tell my 3 year old about death?
Give brief, simple answers. Young children can’t handle too much information at once. At this age, it’s most helpful to explain death in terms of physical functions that have ceased, rather than launching into a complicated discussion of a particular illness: “Now that Uncle John has died, his body has stopped working.
Should a 2 year old go to a funeral?
What do you tell a 3 year old about death of a grandparent?
How to explain death to your preschooler
- Don’t dodge her questions.
- Give brief, simple answers.
- Express your own emotions.
- Avoid euphemisms.
- Tread carefully when discussing God and heaven.
- Be prepared for a variety of reactions.
- Expect the subject to come up repeatedly.
- Memorialize the deceased.
Why do people want open casket funerals?
Some people find it comforting to have closure with the deceased. An open casket allows family and friends to kiss or hold the deceased one last time. If they have any parting words, they can share their thoughts aloud. During the preparations, your loved one will be in great care so they can look their best.
Should a 3 year old attend a funeral?
Do children go up to the casket or not?
They may go up to the casket (if there is one) or not. In order for children to make an appropriate choice, they first need information. If they have never attended a funeral, they need to know what to expect. Describe everything from how the room is laid out to how the deceased may appear, should there be an open casket.
Is it appropriate to have children present at a funeral?
It is entirely appropriate to have children present at a funeral or memorial service, and can often be a good way for a child to gain closure, say “goodbye” to the person who died, and learn about the life-cycle.
Can I hire a babysitter for a funeral or memorial service?
You can also hire a babysitter to sit with children during the service, if you anticipate feeling overwhelmed and being unable to give your children the necessary attention. If you are planning on having children attend a funeral or memorial service, you may want to prepare them for the experience.
What is the purpose of a funeral?
Funerals are important family rituals. When they are done well, they can be highly therapeutic events. They reinforce the reality of the death—often critical for a child. Funerals also provide opportunities for support. Such rituals validate grief and empower memories of the deceased.