Arranging a child’s funeral can be a difficult, emotional process. Children die every day for various reasons, so a guide to child funeral arrangements is much needed. This article will discuss what to expect from a child funeral, including planning the funeral service itself and the type of memorial you should hold. If your child died during a childhood illness, he or she may not have had a formal funeral. However, you can still plan a beautiful, personal ceremony, one that reflects his or her personality and beliefs.
If your child was close to the deceased, consider allowing them to attend the funeral. They might want to say a few words about their grandma or play with a wooden box. However, many children find the whole experience to be incredibly upsetting, so bring a babysitter or a carer to watch them. This way, you can be sure that they will be able to cope with the experience. A child funeral is especially emotional for parents, so make sure that you have someone with you to assist you.
Explain the funeral to your child before it takes place. Let them know what to expect and encourage them to participate. Explain the body and the death and give them the option of attending or not. Children may want to be involved in every detail of the ceremony, and that’s OK too. Consider having your child help design the funeral ceremony. For example, you can let him or her help choose music, pick out flowers, and decorate the coffin. Make the ceremony as interactive as possible so that your child can have a say in the final goodbye.
If your child had a cremation, you’ll need to choose where the ashes will be scattered, and where to keep the urn. The cemetery can provide an urn for you, or you can buy one yourself. If you’re planning a burial, consider purchasing a simple coffin. If you’re worried about the expense of a casket, consider a cremation instead. Otherwise, it’s up to you.
While a child won’t understand what’s going on, they can express their feelings and provide a source of hope. A child’s perspective on death is still in its infancy, so it’s important to understand their reactions and understand their feelings. While some children express grief by crying, others will express their feelings in different ways, which is perfectly normal. You must be aware of these differences and be aware of the potential for a child to have a different reaction if something isn’t right for them.
If you’re not sure about your own feelings, consider asking someone else to stay with your child during the service. They may not realize that their behavior is a distraction, so you can try to pacify them while you’re in the service. If your child is adamant about not crying, consider hiring a babysitter or not attending the funeral at all. If you’re still in doubt, you may consider leaving the child with a babysitter or a friend for the duration of the service.