At what age is it appropriate to bring a child to a funeral?

By age 7 or so, most children understand the permanence of death. A school-age child is also old enough to attend a funeral, but only if he wants to. Give your child the choice of whether he wants to go or not, without any pressure or coercion to go, Markham advised.

Should an 8 year old go to a funeral?

But most children have a full understanding of death by the time they are about 8-10 years old and many younger children will have enough understanding to go to the funeral. It is different for every family and every child, and you need to do what you feel is right for you and your child.

Is it OK to take baby to funeral?

Generally speaking, it is OK to bring a child to an open casket funeral. In fact, many would argue that it is a good idea to introduce the concept of death to your children at some point in their early lives.

How do you explain a funeral to a 4 year old?

How to explain death to your preschooler

1. Don’t dodge her questions.
2. Give brief, simple answers.
3. Express your own emotions.
4. Avoid euphemisms.
5. Tread carefully when discussing God and heaven.
6. Be prepared for a variety of reactions.
7. Expect the subject to come up repeatedly.
8. Memorialize the deceased.

Should a 5 year old go to a funeral?

As a general guideline, children should be allowed to attend a wake, funeral and burial if they want to. They can also be involved in the funeral planning. Joining family members for these rituals gives the child a chance to receive grief support from others and say goodbye in their own way to the person who has died.

Can a child be taken out of school for a funeral?

A child can have a day off school: if the child is ill and unable to attend school for a medical reason you must provide evidence. in exceptional circumstances such as the death of an immediate family member or to attend a funeral.

How do I prepare my 3 year old for a funeral?

Talk through it and help them know what to expect.

1. Prepare them in advance.
2. Let them know that their feelings are okay.
3. Ask if they want to remember the person in a special way.
4. Don’t force anything on them.

Is it OK for children to go to funerals?

“It’s on this basis that you’ll be hard pushed to find any child bereavement expert who doesn’t think that, with adequate preparation, it’s OK for a child of any age to go to a funeral, if they want to.”

Does the age of the grieving child determine funeral needs?

Many myths about the needs of grieving children exist, and chief among these is that the age of the child dictates whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service.

Who can be my child’s companion during the funeral?

First, parents or guardians can arrange for a family member, friend or even a member of the funeral home’s staff to serve as your child’s companion during the funeral, memorial and/or burial service.

Are funerals necessary?

Funerals are important family rituals. When they are done well, they can be highly therapeutic events. They reinforce the reality of the death—often critical for a child. Funerals also provide opportunities for support.