After a friend or family member passes, one of the most challenging parts of the process is explaining the loss to children. While dealing with your own grief, you may be tasked with walking your little one through the funeral service and how to move forward. If you’re preparing to lay a loved one to rest, here’s some insight on how to help kids through the experience.

Understanding How to Approach Loss & Funerals with a Young Child

How Should You Discuss Someone’s Passing With a Child?

When delivering the news of a person’s passing to a child, it’s important to broach the topic with honesty and compassion. While it may be tempting to protect an adolescent from this harsh reality, instead focus on staying sensitive without being overly vague. Should your child have questions about what happened, the afterlife, or what a funeral entails, make sure you discuss each topic carefully.

If you’re struggling to find the right words, consider reaching out to your spiritual leader or your funeral director for tips on how to clarify loss without being overly graphic or causing unnecessary anxiety or fear. Once your child understands what has happened, try to discuss positive and happy memories and remind them of the special bond and love they shared. 

Should Children Attend Funeral Services?

Kids, much like adults, need an opportunity to grieve and share fond memories of the deceased. Before the funeral services take place, sit your child down and walk them through what the day will entail. Once they have a full picture of the day and what the funeral home will look like, ask them whether they are comfortable attending. Unless they protest, allow children to participate in the ritual but make appropriate childcare preparations should they become overwhelmed and need to leave early. 

After the Funeral, How Can You Help With the Grieving Process?

After laying a loved one to rest, continue to check in on your child and allow them to speak freely about missing the deceased. To ensure they are beginning the healing process, consider grief counseling as a family, so they have a safe and healthy outlet to discuss their emotions. 

For grief resources during a difficult time, reach out to the trusted professionals. Cornwell Funeral Home has been a pillar of the local Dardanelle, AR, community for over a century. As an experienced and compassionate funeral home, you can depend on their staff to provide comprehensive assistance when planning a celebration of life. To speak with a respectful representative, call them today at (479) 229-2524. For more information on the services they provide, from cremation to grief counseling referrals, visit them online.