Losing a loved one can be difficult for adults. For kids, it can be challenging to face the realities of death and process the complex emotions this event can trigger. This can make attending a funeral confronting for children. Here are some ways you can prepare them for the service.
Discuss The Purpose Of The Funeral
This will likely be your kid’s first time attending a funeral. A good place to begin is by talking that the purpose of a funeral is to remember the good times you shared with a loved one and to say goodbye for the final time. You don’t need to go into too much detail, just make sure that they understand the basics.
Talk About What Will Happen At The Funeral
It’s a good idea to talk about what will happen at the service. For example, mention that it’s normal for people to be sad when a loved one passes away. Sometimes, there will be a special part of the ceremony, like lighting a candle. Explain how this process works and what they will be expected to do.
Answer Their Questions
The concept of death can be difficult for a kid to understand and process. Because of this, they will likely have a few questions. Take the time to answer them patiently. Sometimes, you won’t know the answer. This is OK, just be honest and do some research together to find out.
Arrange A Visit Beforehand
It can help to arrange to visit the Gold Coast funeral home in advance. Show them where the restroom will be and where the service will be held. This can help remove some of the apprehension about attending a funeral, giving them a better idea of what they can expect.
Sit Near A Door
Sometimes, kids can become overwhelmed during the funeral service. Because of this, you might want to sit near the door. This allows you to step outside for a few moments, so they can re-compose themselves. If you tell the Gold Coast funeral directors before the service, they will be able to reserve you a seat by the door.
Ask If They Want To Do Something Special To Remember A Loved One
There are a few ways that a kid might want to keep the memory of a loved one alive. For example, they might want to wear the beloved deceased’s favorite color to the funeral. Or they recite a poem or lay a hand-drawn picture on the coffin. If you want, you can even involve older kids in some parts of the Gold Coast funeral planning process. For example, they can suggest which song a loved one would want to be played.
Talk About Their Feelings
Funerals can create complex emotions, which are difficult for a child to process. Talking about their feelings can help a child overcome their grief. This can be a difficult conversation to have. You might want to start by talking about your own emotions. Seeing that you also feel sad can assure children that it’s okay to feel upset.
Check-in with them over the coming weeks, being ready to answer any other questions that they might have. Remember, people can process grief in a wide range of ways. Some might grow withdrawn and distant. Others will be sad, some will be angry. Having a supportive adult by their side can help kids healthily deal with grief.
Conclusion
For kids, a funeral ceremony will be very challenging. But by taking them to the funeral, you’ll be able to give them a chance to say goodbye to a loved one.
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