Many people, regardless of age, have trouble coping with death and the rites and rituals of a funeral service, especially when the grief is so fresh and raw. However, death and funerals can be especially challenging for children since these are likely new areas for them to navigate. At some point, most parents will have to consider whether their child should attend a service or not. To help you make the best decision, here are some factors to take into account, as well as some insights into the various parts of a typical service.

What Factors Should You Consider?

Age is probably the biggest consideration to bear in mind. If the child is old enough to sit quietly and respectfully and honor the solemnity of the occasion, they should be given the choice as to whether they want to attend. An infant or toddler may have a more difficult time sitting still and may end up being a distraction to others and to the formality of the event. However, if your little one is generally well-behaved, their presence at the service may be a comfort to the adults in the room.

Also, think about the relationship between the child and the deceased. If this is a funeral for a close family member like a parent or grandparent, having the child in attendance can help him or her make sense of the loss, process their grief, and begin to find closure.

You should also consider the wishes of the deceased. They may have specifically requested the presence of certain kids at the service. In this case, honor these last wishes as a sign of love and respect for the departed.

What Are the Different Parts of a Service?

If you do plan on taking your child to a funeral service, there are some parts that are better suited to their attendance. A pre-funeral visitation can be confusing, as children might have trouble understanding that the deceased isn't just sleeping, and a burial can be an intense experience, watching a loved one being lowered into the ground. These are the most difficult aspects of a typical service and the ones that are more often skipped by kids. If you do want your child to be present at these service components, talk to them beforehand, so they know what to expect.

The service itself is most important for children to witness. Even if it's a whole new area to them, they can be introduced to the rituals and practices of saying goodbye. This can help them start the process of letting go and better prepare them for future losses.

TP White & Sons Funeral Home will guide your family through every step of a funeral service. For over 150 years, they have been providing the Cincinnati, OH, area with funeral, burial, and cremation services. Call (513) 231-7150 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information.