For many parents, it’s instinctual to protect children from the grief of a funeral. It’s easy to assume they won’t understand, will be confused, or may act out. However, the staff at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH, advise that with careful planning, children can be an integral part of a funeral service. Describing the reality of a funeral requires an immense degree of care, but once understood, including children can have many long-term benefits.

While there usually isn’t a place for children in the actual funeral service, their presence can be powerful for guests. For many people, children represent life, and they can be an uplifting symbol for friends and family. It’s important not to abuse this ability, though. Before committing a child to anything, you’ll need to explain what has happened and what the funeral will be like. Don’t expect them to grasp the concept of death right away. They’ll likely ask a lot of questions, and the best way to answer is simply and directly. Sheltering them from death can have negative effects later in life, but you can’t force their understanding.

It’s also important to establish each step of the funeral service. The child should know if they’ll be seeing the body, know who will be in attendance, and understand to act accordingly. If you feel they’re comfortable with the setting, you can also ask if they would like to speak. Having a child comment on the deceased with a memory or message can be extremely endearing, but don’t push them into it. There are many non-verbal ways they can participate, and allowing them to take part will provide a sense of responsibility. Grieving is at the heart of the process during funeral planning, the funeral service, and after. It can be a valuable experience for your child, so think carefully about when and how you’d like them involved.

If you need assistance with a funeral, turn to the professionals at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home. With over a century of experience, they can offer valuable advice on the funeral service, as well as steps to take to ensure it goes smoothly. Call (513) 385-0511 today to speak with their staff and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.