A child funeral is a special way to honor a child who passed away. It can be a small ceremony, like a simple prayer at the graveside, or a more traditional service with family and friends. Whatever you choose, the process can be difficult for both the child and the parents.
The first step to planning a child funeral is to think about the type of service you would like. You may wish to invite everyone in the family, or just the immediate relatives. You can also opt to keep the service private, and have it at home. This allows you to plan it in a way that’s most comfortable for you.
When you plan a child funeral, you should take the time to discuss the details with your child. They should know where the service will be held and what will happen. Your child should have an opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings.
If your child is old enough, you can plan a ceremony at the home where they died. This will allow them to see the photos of the deceased. Or, you could have the funeral at a nearby park or beach. There are many ways to celebrate a child’s life, and you should let them choose the way they want it.
Whether you choose to have a small, private ceremony at home or a large ceremony with hundreds of people, you should make sure that the children involved are well-informed and comfortable. If they don’t feel safe, you should offer them the option to stay at a friend’s house or with a babysitter.
You should also make sure that the children are able to attend the funeral. This is a special moment, and they should be able to share their memories and emotions with other people. However, you shouldn’t pressure them to attend. Children are very sensitive to grief, and they’re often embarrassed by unfamiliar faces and new places. As they grow older, they might have questions about the funeral.
The funeral service should be as long as it needs to be. If you’re unsure, you can give your child a chance to watch the service from a later time.
Many people choose to have a private ceremony at the home. Other families prefer a larger, public service, with everyone gathered at a church or cemetery. For these services, your child will need to wear comfortable clothing. Dress pants and a neutral-colored dress shirt are good options. Avoid bright colors and prints.
Some families opt to have a local high school choir or band perform at the service. Another idea is to have an ice cream truck come to the funeral. While a funeral may seem to be an emotional and traumatic event, it’s actually a great opportunity to help grieving families find closure.
Your child’s funeral should be a tribute to the child that they are, and it should be as meaningful as you can make it. Choosing the right elements is a personal decision, but you can use a guide to make sure you’re on the right track.