Organizing a child funeral can be difficult, but there are ways to ease the stress and let children share their feelings. Here are some tips:
Decide how you’d like the child’s body to be memorialized. Are you planning a large memorial service at a church? Or do you prefer a more intimate gathering at the child’s gravesite? There are a number of options to consider. If the child died in utero, a private service might be appropriate. If the parents are hesitant to purchase a casket, consider a cremation.
You might also be eligible for a Child Funeral Fund. These funds help with the costs of a child’s funeral if they’re under the age of 18. The fund pays for burial or cremation fees, the coffin, and the shroud. You can also claim the costs of other funeral expenses. If you don’t plan to use a funeral director, you can claim online within six months of the child’s death.
Designate a coordinator. This person can communicate your wishes to other people and make phone calls for you. Having a coordinator will help you take a deep breath. It will also give you the time you need to focus on grieving. If you have an emotional breakdown, enlist the support of someone who knows how to make you feel. A child’s funeral will be much easier if you have a family member or friend who can listen to your feelings.
Organize an appropriate time for children. If you’re planning a memorial service, you’ll want to start by explaining what the day will look like. If your child doesn’t want to be in the service, offer her a safe place to go outside if she gets emotional. If possible, have a designated adult accompany her so she can assist you with other aspects of the memorial. A child’s perspective is invaluable, and it will make the event more meaningful for her.
While most adult funerals are filled with flowers, a child’s funeral can be very different. Instead of flowers, try to honor items that your child loved, such as teddy bears, footballs, and ribbons. These things are not only symbolic of their life, but will help the family and friends find comfort in remembering their loved one. And, if your child was particularly religious, you can choose specific religious elements to include in the funeral.
Having a baby at the funeral can be tough. Children often feel the loss of a parent much more than they do of a beloved pet. However, parents need to be aware that their child may be distracting and may have some unhelpful questions about the deceased. If a child can’t attend the funeral, it might be best to leave the child with someone else to play with. Then, they can offer their own suggestions during the service.
Organizing a child funeral is an important part of the grieving process. This type of event can be very emotional for children and should be handled carefully. It’s important not to force a child to attend, as this can lead to regret. If your child is young, you can also suggest that she stay with a familiar babysitter. And don’t be afraid to involve her in the ceremony, too. Your child’s feelings about death can be important and will make the day even more meaningful.