Attending a funeral is a difficult event for everyone involved, particularly young children. Between the intricacies of funeral etiquette, emotional swings, and an overall lack of understanding, it’s no wonder many children are reluctant or fearful to attend funerals. To help you ready your children for this occasion, Cornelius Dodd and Connell Inc Funeral Home provides a helpful guide to prepare your children for funeral services.

Explain the Purpose in Advance

Emphasize that a funeral is a way for loved ones to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of the deceased in the company of friends and family. Since children are naturally curious, they’ll likely have a lot of questions, so it’s wise to address them before the event. Explain who will attend, what will happen, where and when the service will take place, and why it’s important. The more open you can be, the easier it will be for your children to accept what’s happening.

Visit Ahead of Time

If you can visit the funeral home or house of worship before, it’s advisable to do so. This can greatly help your children acclimate to their surroundings and get comfortable in the new environment. You should also emphasize that they don’t need to stay for the entire service if they don’t feel comfortable. Instead, offer an alternative, such as going for a supervised walk outside with an adult.

Put Them at Ease

Allow your child to ask as many questions as they want, explain that it’s completely normal to experience various emotions, and be forthcoming about your feelings as well. Try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what would have been helpful for you to know if were you in their position. Also, allow your children plenty of time to process their thoughts, and make it clear that you are there to provide support.

Together, you and your family can navigate this difficult time. If you need funeral services for a loved one, put your trust in Cornelius Dodd and Connell Inc Funeral Home in Middletown, NY. For over 100 years, their funeral home has provided families with the compassion and support they deserve during this difficult time. From funeral pre-planning and burial services to everything in between, they’ll help you honor and encapsulate the essence of a life well-lived. To speak with their director about arranging a funeral service, give them a call today at (845) 343-2142 or visit their website for more information.