While you may feel frustrated if your child can’t sit still for long periods of time, you need to remember that their developmental stage will play a role in their behavior during the service. Some children are capable of focusing for only a few minutes, while others may be able to sit still for hours on end. A child’s behavior at the funeral can make attending the service difficult for the family. If your child isn’t a good candidate to attend, you might want to consider hiring a babysitter or leaving the service altogether.
The child should be told about the deceased and the body before the service. If possible, he or she should be given the option to attend the funeral. Even though a child may not want to be a part of the ceremony, they will remember the time they spent with the deceased. If they’re restless or bored, they may be able to participate in other aspects of the ceremony. For example, they may choose the music, help choose the flowers and decorate the coffin.
When a child is a small enough age to understand what’s happening, a child will be more accepting of the details. Educating him or her about the funeral is a valuable part of preparing for his or her own grief. The funeral should not be a frightening experience for a child, and you should always be there to answer his or her questions. If possible, schedule a visit to the funeral home so he or she can see the room in person. A child’s feelings will be more open and honest if he or she can see the body.
A child’s funeral is never easy, but there are ways to make the process more bearable for the family. A family member can act as coordinator and communicate the wishes of the child to others, making phone calls and helping them cope. It can also help to designate someone to oversee the event. The coordinator will be a good source of support and a way to breathe. If the child’s parents cannot make it to the funeral, it’s important to have a friend or family member oversee the funeral.
A child’s funeral is a difficult time for everyone involved, so be sure to prepare the child for the event. A funeral is a time for family and friends to say their goodbyes, and it isn’t a time to play. So if your child isn’t able to attend the service, consider hiring a babysitter to watch over him or her. The funeral will be less stressful if you bring the babysitter.
If your child passed away, you should notify the family and the child’s doctor. The child’s death must be registered within five days. You should also inform the hospice case manager and the physician about the child’s passing. Once you’ve made these arrangements, you can proceed to planning the child’s funeral. The funeral director will keep the body safely until the arrangements can be finalized. In addition to hiring a funeral director, you can also ask for the services of a donor transplant coordinator. Alternatively, if you cannot afford the services, you can simply call the hospital and they will hold the body for you until you are able to make funeral arrangements.