Should you force a child to attend a funeral?

Parents and family can find it difficult to decide whether children should attend funerals or not. Children old enough to know what is happening should generally be given the choice to attend and their decision respected. There is no right or wrong decision on whether children should or should not attend a funeral.

Is it bad to not attend a family member’s funeral?

It’s considered proper etiquette to pay your respects in another way if you’re unable to attend the funeral. While you shouldn’t feel guilty if you can’t attend, you should take action to honor the deceased and their family.

Should a 4 year old go to a funeral?

Many myths about the needs of grieving children exist, and chief among these is that the age of the child dictates whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service. The reality is that a child’s age should never dictate whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service.

Is my child old enough to attend a funeral?

Your child is part of the family, and children who are old enough to love are old enough to grieve. No child is too young to attend a funeral, provided that the child is prepared for what will happen and what they will see at the funeral home, and is lovingly guided through the process.

Do you go to a funeral if you don’t attend?

There may be an appropriate way to express your condolences that doesn’t include attending. The bereaved is a close friend or family member. Attending the funeral of a close friend or family member is almost always the right move. Unless there is some particular reason that you cannot attend, go to the funeral.

How many days off do you get for a military funeral?

An employee is entitled to up to 3 workdays of funeral leave to make arrangements for or to attend the funeral of an immediate relative who died as a result of wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving as a member of the Armed Forces in a combat zone.

Why do we shut children out of funerals?

Shutting children out makes them feel alone, and conveys the idea that death and grief are too horrible to be faced. Children need to learn that special, loved people do die – but also that there will always be somebody to take care of them.