Should Your Child Attend the Funeral Service?

Parents want to shelter their children as much as possible so they hesitate to take them to a funeral. They don’t want to expose the kids to death too early, but death is a fact of life and is one of the most important lessons a child must learn. At Willowbrook Cemetery, we believe parents should consider the factors mentioned below before making a decision:

1. Will the Child Be Calm and Comfortable?

Funeral services are for families and have several grieving individuals. They may cry, become angry, or even say something harsh or cruel because they are under emotional stress. Can your child be calm and comfortable in such an environment? Will they feel overwhelmed and throw a tantrum? At this point, it is important to consider the feeling of other attendees because an upset child will cause a lot of disruption.

2. Ask the Child

Children are capable of making decisions and should be given the option to determine whether they want to attend a funeral. Ask the child directly whether they want to attend. You’ll find that most children want to because they are curious or because they understand the service’s importance.

3. Don’t Force the Child

Many parents force a child to attend funerals because of family obligations and that can cause emotional distress. Arrange for a babysitter or drop your kid off at a friend’s house instead of taking them to funeral against their wishes. That’s especially crucial if your child doesn’t respond well to stressful situations. Kids with behavioral issues may feel overwhelmed in such an emotionally-charged environment so letting them stay home will be better for their mental health.

If you want to know more or need to book a service, just give us at Willowbrook Cemetery a call on 203 222 8646 or contact us through our online form.