Death can be hard to process, especially for young children who might not understand that their loved one isn’t coming back. This is why it can be challenging to decide if children should attend burial services. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, below are factors to consider when choosing if your kids should attend the funeral and how to prepare them if they do.   

Should You Bring a Child to a Funeral?

Your child’s age is one of the primary considerations when deciding whether they should attend a burial service. Infants and toddlers might cry or become fidgety during the service, which could cause disruptions. Children who can demonstrate patience should be able to go. However, you also need to consider your child’s maturity level. So they aren’t frightened at the event, they should have a basic understanding of the concept of death. Also, consider their connection to the deceased. If a close relative or family friend passed away, they should have a choice to attend the funeral and say their goodbyes.

How to Prepare Children for Funerals 

Telling your child why the burial service is being held is the best way to prepare them for what they will experience. Let them know that attending these services allows people to celebrate the life and honor the memory of their loved one. Find out as much as you can about this burial service beforehand. This way, you can share details about who will speak, what Bible passages will be read, and whether there will be music. By having this additional information, you can answer any specific questions your child might have. This will ease their mind and make them more prepared for the service.

If you’ve decided on a burial service for a loved one in La Crosse County, WI, reach out to Oak Grove Cemetery. Located in La Crosse, this historic cemetery was established in 1852, with more than 30,000 people interred, and provides a peaceful resting place for your loved ones. The respectful, professional staff will help you find a cemetery plot in a quiet area of the sprawling grounds and craft a grave marker to honor the departed. For a consultation, call (608) 782-6956 today. You can also review their pre-planning guide online and see pictures of the cemetery, including notable landmarks, on their Facebook page.