Coping with grief is never easy, particularly for children who have never dealt with death before. Helping a child prepare to say farewell to a loved one at a funeral is often a challenge for many parents, but it can be helpful to know what approach to take. Here's a look at what to do—and what to avoid—when talking with your little one about the upcoming service.

Do:

Answer their questions.

It’s likely that your child will have plenty of questions about what death is, how grief works, and what to expect at a funeral. Try to answer their questions as often as you can and to the best of your ability. It’s likely that they’ll ask questions you may not know the answer to. If this happens, make it a project to find out and explore the answer together.

Pay attention to their needs.

Grief can be an overwhelming experience for children, who may not know how to express their feelings or needs. You can help them cope by paying close attention to their mood, reactions, and behavior. Ask your child how they’re feeling occasionally and be prepared to take them out for a break during the funeral if necessary. 

Don’t:

Push them to talk.

If a child has never encountered death before, they may not know how to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and observations about it. Consequently, they may grow quiet or appear not to be grieving as adults do. 

This is an entirely normal reaction for kids, and pushing them to talk about their feelings may be uncomfortable or distressing. Instead, allow them to verbalize at their own pace and in their own words, and be prepared to listen.

Be dishonest.

It can be tempting to try to comfort a child learning about death for the first time by promising that you or others they care for will be around for a long time. Some people even promise their kids that they’ll never die. This may offer some short-term comfort, but ultimately it can lead to more confusion and trauma when a child attends another funeral. Avoid euphemisms and telling them that death happens for a reason, as these can obscure the reality of loss and grief that kids need to learn about.

As a parent, attending to the needs of your children and loved ones is a leading concern. You can count on the compassionate staff at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home to support your funeral planning efforts so that you can care for your kids and help them understand grief and loss in a healthy, supportive fashion. Since 1906, this family-owned funeral home has helped families throughout Cincinnati, OH, offering sensitive, professional assistance at two convenient locations. Call (513) 385-0511 to discuss your needs, and visit them online to learn more about their services.