Should Your Child Attend a Funeral?

Most parents prefer not to expose their children to the unpleasant realities of life, such as death and funerals. They fear that they will upset or stress their children in some way. However, many therapists and specialists believe that children should not be denied this information. Many people would not bring very young children to a funeral, mainly because they think that the kids might disturb the venue.

Making the Right Decision

At Arbutus Funeral Service, we believe that this is a decision each parent would need to make. Here is some information that can help:

• Kids are not entirely unfamiliar with the concept of death. It can sometimes be traumatizing to certain children to learn about the death of a family member. However, they can process the loss as long as they have some guidance from a responsible adult in their lives.
   
• When a child attends a funeral, it gives them a sense of the permanence of death. Parents must discuss this aspect with their children to determine whether they are ready to attend the funeral before you decide whether to bring them or not.
   
• If you feel that your child might be very disruptive at the venue, be sensitive to the feelings of the family of the decedent. In such a situation, it might be best to avoid taking your children there.
   
• If your children are a little older, they might be able to decide whether they want to go with you. You can discuss the situation with them and ask them whether they would prefer to go with you or stay home. If your child is between the ages of eight to 10, it's best not to impose your specific preferences on them

For information on our customized funeral services, feel free to call Arbutus Funeral Service, and our funeral director will help you preplan a service if you need one.

We are here to guide you and can also help plan a funeral service or memorial service as required. Contact Arbutus Funeral Service with your requirements for more details about funerals and other related topics.