Allow participation

The following recommendations may assist families in allowing children to participate in memorials and funerals:

Offer a child the choice to attend the funeral service.

Provide children with explanations about the service and what they will see.

Explain the different emotions that may be expressed.

Make plans to attend funeral homes when the number of people will be smaller so that the child can ask questions and be attended to more easily.

Identify an adult who will be with the child (particularly if the parent has experienced the loss of a spouse).