To honor the memory of a deceased loved one, you might visit the cemetery where they are laid to rest and leave flowers at their monument. You might decide to take your children with you, too, so they can also pay their respects or learn about their family history. To prepare for the outing, follow the advice mentioned here. 

A Guide for Visiting a Cemetery With Kids

1. Prepare for Different Reactions

Young children might be unaware that cemeteries are often associated with mourning and reflection. For this reason, your kids might appear rambunctious or bored during the visit. Explain to them beforehand which behaviors are acceptable, and remind them of any religious teachings you believe. If you've taught them about an afterlife in Christianity, for instance, they might take comfort in the belief that people who die live on in heaven. This can help them understand the situation and the meaning of your visit.

2. Answer Questions

As your children walk through the cemetery, they will see strangers' monuments and grave markers. It's natural for kids to ask questions about who passed away and what is written on the memorials. Read the names of the individuals and the epitaphs engraved on the monuments aloud to your kids and try to answer questions about the trinkets left behind. Doing so will help contextualize the experience for your children.   

3. Provide Reassurance

The recent loss of a loved one can be a hectic, emotional time for the surviving family. In the midst of mourning and making funeral arrangements, you might not have been able to spend a lot of quality time with your children. Once everything is settled, a trip to the cemetery provides an opportunity to explain why you have been so sad and reassure your kids that you love them.

For a monument to honor a deceased loved one, contact the professionals at Tri-County Memorials in Waterford, CT. In business since 1973, the company is known for creating custom-made headstones, grave markers, and funeral monuments to pay tribute to the dearly departed. The knowledgeable, courteous staff will listen to your needs and create a lasting memorial for someone you've lost. Learn more about the design options online, and call (860) 443-8744 to speak to a representative.