If a child loses a loved one, it is normal for him or her to grieve. It is important that adults support them through their loss and help them find a way to move forward.
The first step in supporting a child during this difficult time is to provide them with information, options and support so that they can make the best choice possible. This is especially true when it comes to funeral costs.
Keeping Costs Low
Funeral expenses can be extremely expensive, especially for infants and stillborn babies. Many parents are faced with the challenge of how to cover these costs while still providing a respectful and loving sendoff for their child.
Fortunately, there are many organizations that can help families pay for their child’s funeral. These are generally nonprofits, and their primary source of funding is donations from the community.
They can also offer free or low-cost burial caskets, urns and other services. It is not uncommon for a family to receive a cash benefit within 24 hours of filing a claim, and they can often help families price shop for the service that is most affordable for them.
Preparing Children for a Funeral
The best way to prepare a child for the death of someone they love is by talking openly about it. Explaining the cause of death in terms that a child can understand is essential for them to accept it and begin to process their feelings.
As they get older, they will need to be encouraged to express their grief in appropriate ways. This includes speaking in front of a group, reading from a book and writing a poem or letter to their loved one.
This allows them to say their goodbyes in a meaningful way and helps them understand that they are not alone. It can also help them to talk about their feelings with others who are going through the same grieving experience.
It is important to keep in mind that every child handles grief differently, and they may need support from their friends or teachers in order to work through their loss. When a child feels like she is not being listened to, it can increase her feelings of sadness and depression.
A child-led and planned memorial service can be a great opportunity for a child to share their feelings with their peers and friends. The funeral or memorial service can be the perfect place to address what they are feeling, and it gives them a platform for expressing their emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
While a child-led and planned memorial service isn’t always the right choice for each child, it can be a powerful tool to help them express their feelings and learn to cope with their loss. It is also a great way to let their friends know how much the lost person meant to them.
When a child is allowed to lead the planning and preparation of the funeral or memorial service, they have more control over the final product and can take pride in it. This can be a healing process for them, as well as for their parents and other adults who may be attending the service.