Choosing The Right Funeral Home

Making Children More Comfortable At A Funeral Of A Loved One

30 August 2016

Derek Murphy

It is up to parents to decide when it is appropriate to bring children to funerals, but there are some ways to help children cope with such serious situations and process their grief over loss.

Some ways to make children feel more involved and comfortable during this difficult time include:

Don't call it a funeral. Instead of a funeral, honor the loved one that has passed with a celebration of their life. These are typically less somber than a funeral, often held outside with a festive atmosphere. Children may find it easier to cope with the situation and feel more comfortable at such memorials, allowing them to remember the loved one and share their memories openly.

Be honest. There are mixed opinions regarding when it is okay to talk to children about death. Death is part of life, so talk honestly about it, but be careful to do it in an age-appropriate way. Some children may worry about death, not fully understanding the concept, and fear that those they love will also die imminently.

Set up an art station. Art can be therapeutic and is often used when working with young children. Set up an art station at your memorial for kids to draw and express their feelings as well as their feelings about the individual that has passed. This open expression may help them move past their own grief, and can help them communicate their feelings during a time that can be confusing and sad.

Involve them in a memorial project. Plan on some activities or features at your funeral or memorial that get children involved. Ask kids to sign or decorate memorial stones to be placed around the grave site or used in a tribute garden. Create photo mementos, such as pins with the photo of the deceased for guests to wear at the event, and have the children help out with the project. Another way to involve kids in the process is to enlist their help setting up a tribute for the deceased at home consisting of items, belongings, and even clothing worn, to honor of the individual.

Getting kids involved in some of the planning of your loved one's funeral or memorial can help them process their own feelings and express grief. This may help to take some of the mystery and fear out of death, especially in younger children. Use these tips when planning your loved one's funeral, memorial, or celebration of life to help make them feel involved and to foster solidarity between them and others mourning the loss of someone special. 

For more assistance preparing for a funeral, contact a company like American Cremation Society.

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