The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for everyone in your family, but for children who haven’t experienced grief before, the experience can be particularly overwhelming. They may not understand what you are going through and have trouble processing the emotions they’re experiencing. Below are several tips for helping your child handle these negative emotions before and after a funeral.

3 Ways to Comfort a Grieving Child

1. Explain the Funeral, But Don’t Pressure Them to Attend

Your child will appreciate straightforward honesty—they’re probably already confused and upset about what’s happening. Explain what will happen at the viewing and memorial service so your little one knows what to expect. If they’re resistant to the idea of attending, don’t force them to. Being pressed into going can be a traumatizing experience.

2. Be Open About Your Grief

At a young age, children may not know how to describe or name the feelings they’re experiencing. Being honest about your own emotions will show your child that they’re not alone in grieving and that it’s normal to feel many ways after the passing of a loved one. If your child isn’t ready to discuss their own feelings yet, give them space so they don’t feel pressured to share.

3. Give Them Time

Healing from a loss takes a long time, so don’t place expectations on your child. They may seem back to normal for months and then experience a sudden lapse into moodiness connected to their grief. Everyone has a different manner of handling grief, and it’s important to not expect a recovery within a certain time span. Without being too nosy, find ways to revisit the subject over time to help your child express themselves.

Hosting a meaningful memorial service will help bring family members and loved ones together to share the burden of grief. If you need a venue in New Haven, CT, Porto Funeral Homes has a compassionate, caring staff. For over 75 years, they’ve served families in New Haven County with memorial services, funeral and burial arrangements, and cremation. To speak to a staff member in East Haven, call (203) 467-3000. To reach the West Haven office, call (203) 934-5000. Learn more by visiting them online.