For many people, funerals are an important step in the process of processing and accepting the death of a loved one. There are, however, questions regarding whether children should attend the service. Although the decision is ultimately up to the family, the following thoughts on this issue should make it a little easier for you to decide whether children should attend a funeral service.

Should Children Attend Funerals?

Consider the Child’s Age

There’s no easy yes-or-no answer to the question of including children in funeral services, but age can be a helpful determining factor. Due to their young ages, infants and toddlers require quite a bit of attention and care from adults. As a result, they could be seen as a disturbance in a solemn environment like a funeral service.

Preschool-aged children can, with the aid of some distractions such as coloring books and snacks, attend a funeral without much concern.

As children grow into the elementary school years, they become increasingly capable of behaving in sensitive situations such as funerals. Just because a child can attend a funeral, however, doesn’t mean they always should.

Evaluate Their Maturity and Understanding

Children of preschool age and younger are usually unable to fully understand the gravity of death and funerals. Concepts such as permanent loss and the meaning of a funeral service are beyond their scope of understanding.

As children grow older, however, their minds become increasingly curious. Answering any questions they have about the subjects of death and loss as candidly and openly as possible will help them understand as much as they can. Depending on their level of maturity, the child may understand the importance of behaving respectfully during a funeral service.

As a child begins to understand death and loss, they should be able to decide whether they want to attend the funeral. Present the children with all of the information about what a funeral entails so they can make a fair choice with a full understanding of what this decision means. Parents can also have a say in this decision, but it’s essential to give the child autonomy in the choice. Additionally, a child can attend some parts of the funeral instead of the full process. A viewing or the lowering of a casket might be too emotional and traumatic for some children, while a memorial service may be more appropriate.

The Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, located in Charles Town, WV, has been compassionately assisting residents of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties for more than 130 years. As a full-service funeral facility, this family owned and operated business provides families with comprehensive funeral planning services. Pre-planning services are also offered to help ease the burden of arranging a funeral so soon after a loss. Visit their website for more information on their services or call (304) 725-7068 to speak with a caring representative.