All parents want to protect their children from the harsh realities of life like death and funerals. Many hesitate to discuss such topics with their kids, worrying that they might scare them.

However many experts and counselors believe that there is no reason to keep this from them. Many find it inappropriate to bring kids (under the age of 12) to a funeral service, mainly because they might cause a disruption. Here are a few facts that will help you make the right decision:

1. Children Understand Death

Many people believe that death is a traumatizing aspect of life and that children are not capable of understanding it. However, experts disagree with this completely. They believe that with the right guidance kids can process this loss in a healthy manner.

2. Funerals Can Also Help With the Healing Process

Children feel grief and loss just like adults. Allowing them to attend a funeral will help them process the pain and also give them a chance to say their final goodbyes. To ensure that they are ready, the parent should have a talk with their kids.

3. Some Kids Are Too Young

Some children are just too young to understand the situation and they will only cause some disruption. Keep in mind that it is important to respect the feelings of the grieving family and determine whether your child is too young to be allowed to attend the service.

4. You Can Always Ask Your Children

Keep in mind that some kids are old enough to make the choice by themselves. For example, if your son or daughter is over 10 years of age, you can simply ask them whether they want to attend. Rather than forcing them, asking them to make the choice is a much better option. Before attending the funeral, make sure that they understand how to be respectful.

At Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, we provide comprehensive funeral services and can help you with all aspects of the process so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.