Taking a Child to a Funeral

The loss of a loved one can be a traumatic time for adults, so imagine how confusing this time can be for children. When the loss of a close relative or friend occurs it can be difficult to explain to a young child where they have gone, and why everyone is behaving differently. On the opposite end of the scale, a child can brighten the mood on an otherwise difficult day by breaking up the formality of the service.

Remembrance Funerals have experience in helping families come to a decision when including children in the funeral or not.

The way a child responds to death depends on their maturity and level of understanding. It has been confirmed that a child under the age of 4 has difficulty processing death. Children can respond differently to open caskets, services where a cremation has taken place, and religious ceremonies outside of their daily routine. We can help advise the best way to help the child deal with the death of their loved one.

How close the child was to the relative or friend who has passed

Perhaps the most important thing to consider was the closeness of the relationship between your child and the deceased. A child may not react well to an open casket, which might have been the deceased request. It is natural for a younger child to be inquisitive, so answering questions and discussing the process of the funeral before attending can make understanding easier.

For additional support and direction when helping a child through the mourning process, a good resource is The National Centre for Childhood Grief.

Contact us for any advice you require.