As an adult, losing a loved one can be a challenging experience. Your grief can be compounded when a friend or family member’s passing also impacts your children. At Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, based in the heart of Morehead, KY, they often help families through the memorial service and grieving process. And as a compassionate and trustworthy funeral home, they take the time to counsel parents struggling with whether to allow their children to participate in funeral rituals. 

3 Preparation Tips to Embrace When Children Attend a Funeral

Prepare in Advance

Attending your first funeral can be stressful at any age. Before attending a memorial service, walk your child through the process step by step and shower them with extra attention and affection for support. As a precaution, make arrangements with a babysitter in the event they get overwhelmed and wish to go home early. 

Make Attendance Optional

After you explain the funeral and memorial service process to your child, present them with the option to attend or stay home. The last thing you want to do is force your son or daughter into a situation they’ll find scary or unsettling. This is especially important if there is a viewing in advance of the memorial. If your child is curious and you think seeing the body will put some questions to rest, allow them to attend with you. If they decide they’d like to avoid the services altogether, ask them if they’d like to provide a token or small gift for you to place in the casket on their behalf. 

Discuss Cremation & Burial

Once you’ve talked to your child about a loved one’s passing, they may start to ask questions about the body and how the remains will be treated. Explain both cremation and traditional burial so their imaginations don’t run away with upsetting thoughts. As always, explain that both processes are painless for the deceased. 

If you’re based in the greater Morehead, KY, area and need the assistance of a compassionate funeral home to plan a memorial service or help prepare your child, get in touch with Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals today. Call (606) 784-6491 to speak with their director. For more information on pre-planning a ceremony or coping with the loss of a loved one, visit their website.