Funerals and memorial services give us a chance to say goodbye to departed loved ones, but they can also be emotionally turbulent experiences. For children who may not truly understand what’s going on, attending a funeral can be even more confusing, especially if this is their first encounter with grief. If a family member has recently passed away, here are a few tips for talking to your child about the funeral.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Funeral

1. Explain the Process

Like anyone, children are more comfortable in unfamiliar situations when they know what to expect. Before the funeral, describe what they’re going to see, and walk them through every step of the memorial service. If they know they should expect to see groups of people dressed in black, floral arrangements, and a casket, your children will likely have less anxiety when the day arrives.

2. Be Ready to Answer Questions

Before the funeral, your children might have a lot of questions, some of which may be uncomfortable. For instance, they may ask what death is, where your loved one is, and if you’re going to pass away, too. These questions might be difficult to answer, but they’re a normal part of the grieving process, so prepare to offer honest, age-appropriate responses.

3. Validate Their Feelings

For many children, the intense emotions expressed at a memorial service can be disconcerting and confusing. Explain that some people may cry, and others may just sit quietly.

Some people will laugh and tell stories about the family member you’ve lost, which is also a valid way to deal with grief. Let them know that all of these feelings and any emotions they might have during the service are acceptable.

The loss of a loved one is always difficult, which is why generations of families have relied on Brown Funeral Homes & Cremations in Martinsburg, WV. Their dedicated team has been serving the community since 1880 and will help plan a memorial service that truly commemorates the person you’ve lost. Visit their website for more on their funeral planning services, or call (304) 263-8896 to speak with a caring member of their staff today.