No one likes to think about mortality, whether it's their own or that of their parents. However, avoiding the topic means many people must plan funeral arrangements for their parents without ever discussing their wishes. Having this difficult conversation ahead of time allows you to plan early and ensures the memorial is as your parents would like. Follow these tips to navigate this discussion as smoothly as possible. 

How Do You Approach the Subject?

Bringing up the subject of death can be uncomfortable even in the best circumstances. If you're struggling to broach the subject, start the conversation by asking them about treasured family traditions and how they'd like to preserve them. This conversation can be steered toward memorial service plans with ease. Emphasize your desire to create a funeral that will help you and the rest of your family remember them and say goodbye.

You can also bring up the topic in a more roundabout way by talking about someone else's funeral they attended and then transitioning to their own. Keep in mind that this conversation will likely be more relaxed when your parents are relatively young and healthy. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to talk about this step.

What Questions Should You Ask?

After you've begun the conversation, ask your parents about their preferences for a memorial service. Start with more critical topics, such as burial versus cremation and instructions for their ashes, since your parents will likely have a preference already. They may not have considered smaller points yet, such as the details of the service.

Ask them about any music, poems, or scriptures that have special meaning to them. Also, find out if they have flower preferences or if they would like guests to make donations to a particular cause in their name. Once you've asked these questions, be sure to give your parents time to think, and never pressure them to give you an answer right away.

Leave the care of your parents’ funeral arrangements in the trusted and capable hands of the experts at E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia, OH. This family-owned local business has been serving the Amelia, New Richmond, and Bethel areas for the past 140 years. These experienced funeral directors help their clients plan caring and respectful memorial services to honor the lives of those who have passed. Find out more about pre-planned funeral arrangements online or by calling (513) 753-6130.