Discussing end-of-life plans with your parents can be difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Helping them with funeral pre-planning arrangements can relieve future stress and concern over their wishes when the time comes. Below are a few ideas for broaching the subject delicately and having positive conversations. 

How to Discuss Funeral Pre-Planning With Loved Ones

1. Do Your Research

Prepare for the conversation. Ask a funeral specialist to provide you with guides, forms, and pamphlets that answer your questions about the future. Take your time gathering as much information as you would like to know before approaching your parents. Research will remove any burden you feel over the amount of planning necessary, and help you come to the discussion with accurate information you can pass on.

2. Work it Into Natural Conversation

While funeral plans may not come up in many conversations, you can weave them into a discussion naturally.

When your parents reminisce about the past or a lost loved one, look for ways to ask how they would like to be remembered. Looking over a family photo album can also lead to a talk about pre-planning arrangements. Try to choose moments when they feel healthy or cheerful. You can use some humor or levity to make the talk more comfortable.

3. Ask Relevant Questions

Funerals involve many steps, which can make planning overwhelming. Instead of bombarding your parents with all the questions at once, write them down and spread them out over several talks.

Start with easier topics, such as their most cherished memories, trips, and songs. Ask them what their proudest achievements are or what they learned from a loved one and never forgot. These are the types of ideas that will help customize a service.

4. Be Respectful

When you officially start talking about pre-planning, listen carefully to what your parents have to say. Write down their wishes and read them back to make sure you are on the same page. If they don’t want to discuss the idea and you persist, they can become upset and avoid future discussions. If they don’t want to talk about certain subjects or questions, ask if there is another time when you can revisit them.  

If you and your family are interested in pre-planning arrangements, visit Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT. This family-run business has been a part of the community for over 100 years. Their staff members are available 24/7 to assist with all stages of the process. Start planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one online. Call (203) 375-2200 to discuss your needs with a compassionate staff member.