Coping with a loss is challenging at any age, but children have a harder time than adults because the experience is new. It’s unlikely they’ve been to a funeral service before, and they may not understand what death means. If there’s a young child in your family, talk to them before the funeral or memorial service to help them know what’s going on.

How to Talk to Your Child About Funeral Services

1. Explain What It Is

If your child hasn’t been to a funeral before, they might not have any idea what to expect. Tell them who will be there and what will happen, such as music, people talking about your departed loved one, and burial or cremation. Also, explain that the purpose of a funeral is to say goodbye to a lost loved one for the last time.

2. Outline Expectations

Before taking them to the funeral home, talk to your child about what you expect of them there. Tell them they should sit quietly, and for how long. For younger children, if you’re worried they might disrupt, but you still want them to be there, give them a job like handing out programs. This task will provide them with somewhere to direct their energy and help replace distracting behavior.

3. Personalize Your Approach

The exact explanations you give will depend on your child’s age. For example, young children might need you to explain death. They may only understand a simple version, but avoid lying to soften the blow, or comparing death to something like sleep. Doing so can create misunderstandings that cause issues later, such as the child being afraid to go to bed. For older children, your explanation of the funeral service can be more complex. In all cases, listen to your child and give them honest answers to their questions.

For help planning a compassionate and personal funeral service, contact Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebanon, OH. Since 1987, they’ve offered Warren County families a respectful, caring funeral service to honor lost loved ones, as well as pre-planning services and memorial items. For help, call (513) 932-1239, or learn more about the funeral home online.