Should a 2 year old go to a funeral?

Toddler (2-3 Years Old)
Their behavior is often unpredictable and may detract from the funeral proceedings. While it's up to the parents to decide if a toddler should attend the funeral, it might be better to skip it altogether.
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What age is appropriate for a child to attend a funeral?

By age 7 or so, most children understand the permanence of death. A school-age child is also old enough to attend a funeral, but only if he wants to. Give your child the choice of whether he wants to go or not, without any pressure or coercion to go, Markham advised.
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Should a 3 year old go to a funeral?

The reality is that a child's age should never dictate whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service.
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Should you bring a toddler to a viewing?

If your child is able to sit still and quiet for longer periods of time, then they're less likely to cause a disturbance at a funeral. If they are very active or difficult to distract when bored, however, you'll probably want to book a sitter.
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How do you keep a toddler quiet at a funeral?

But keep it simple.
  1. Reading corner: Create a quiet area to reflect, rest and recharge. ...
  2. Custom coloring pages: Do a Google Image search for the term “coloring pages” along with a favorite hobby, significant location, or favorite food item. ...
  3. Foot races: Get outside and burn off energy—this is an absolute must.
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Should I bring my kids to the funeral answered by a funeral director



Should children attend funerals?

As a general guideline, children should be allowed to attend a wake, funeral and burial if they want to. They can also be involved in the funeral planning. Joining family members for these rituals gives the child a chance to receive grief support from others and say goodbye in their own way to the person who has died.
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Should a child attend a parents funeral?

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.
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Is it rude to bring a toddler to a funeral?

It may be appropriate to bring a younger child to a funeral if he/she is the son or daughter of the deceased. If the child had a particularly strong bond with a grandparent or other relative, it also may be appropriate for him/her to attend.
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How do you explain a funeral to a toddler?

Before attending a funeral, explain what a funeral is to your child. Explain that funerals are a time for friends and family to come together to say thank you, goodbye, and I love you to the person who has died. Tell them that it is a time to remember and to pay their last respects to the person that died.
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How do you tell a toddler about death?

How to explain death to your preschooler
  1. Don't dodge her questions. ...
  2. Give brief, simple answers. ...
  3. Express your own emotions. ...
  4. Avoid euphemisms. ...
  5. Tread carefully when discussing God and heaven. ...
  6. Be prepared for a variety of reactions. ...
  7. Expect the subject to come up repeatedly. ...
  8. Memorialize the deceased.
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How does death affect a child?

Any death can be difficult for a child, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral responses are common including changes in sleeping pattern or appetite; sad, angry, or anxious feelings; social isolation; persistent thoughts about the death; or feeling the person's presence nearby.
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Can you take a toddler to a wake?

There are many factors. A wake with an open casket can be very traumatic for kids — but a funeral Mass is a celebration of life and is likely appropriate for any age.
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Should I go to a funeral of someone I haven't seen in years?

If you haven't seen or spoken to the deceased in years, this would need to be considered. More so, if your relationship ended on bad terms, whether romantically, professionally or financially—it would be better to not cause any unnecessary stress on the grieving family and friends.
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Should I go to my mother's funeral?

People attend funerals, in part, to honor, remember, mourn, and find solace in others—none of which might be appropriate for a surviving child of an abusive parent. You don't need an excuse not to attend, and whatever choice you make is your alone and doesn't require validation from others.
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What do you wear at a funeral?

Funeral attire should be dark somber clothing. A shirt and tie for men and dress or slacks and a blouse for women. Black, navy, gray, neutral tones are all appropriate colors. Avoid bright or flamboyant clothing.
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How do I prepare my child for a funeral?

Talk through it and help them know what to expect.
  1. Prepare them in advance. ...
  2. Let them know that their feelings are okay. ...
  3. Ask if they want to remember the person in a special way. ...
  4. Don't force anything on them.
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How do you tell a 3 year old a parent died?

Talking to Your Toddler About the Death of a Parent
  1. Share as much as you can with your child about his late parent.
  2. Explain what happened in clear, simple language.
  3. Don't just talk—listen.
  4. Use books that help children understand death.
  5. Don't hide your grief.
  6. Practice “griefitude.”
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How do you explain heaven to a child?

Here are few points to keep in mind when talking to your kids about Heaven.
  1. Don't expect kids under age 9 to understand death. ...
  2. Play it straight – use words that mean exactly what they say. ...
  3. Remember that the concept of Heaven Is just as hard to understand. ...
  4. Share God's Word with your children to help explain Heaven.
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What is funeral etiquette for the family?

Spouse, parents, and children of the deceased will sit closest to the front. Sometimes close friends and "honorary family members" will sit with the grieving family. Other family members (siblings and their families, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) will be the closest to the immediate family.
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How do you explain death of a grandparent to a child?

When a Loved One Dies: How to Help Your Child
  1. Use simple words to talk about death. ...
  2. Listen and comfort. ...
  3. Put feelings into words. ...
  4. Tell your child what to expect. ...
  5. Explain events that will happen. ...
  6. Give your child a role. ...
  7. Help your child remember the person. ...
  8. Give comfort and reassure your child.
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Is it disrespectful to not go to a 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.
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What do you call a child who lost one parent?

An orphan is a child whose parents have died. The term is sometimes used to describe any person whose parents have died, though this is less common. A child who only has one living parent is also sometimes considered an orphan.
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What do you say to a grieving child?

Some appropriate sentiments are listed below.
  • “Sometimes we feel like it's our fault when someone dies, but it's not.”
  • “It's hard to imagine someone we love has died.”
  • “I am so sorry your friend/parent/sibling died. I know you will miss him/her.”
  • “When someone dies, it's OK to talk about how you feel.”
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Is it OK to go to a funeral while pregnant?

Therefore, the only logical reason a pregnant woman should not attend a funeral is if the event will initiate or contribute to stress or depression, which can be more harmful to the mother and child than the events surrounding the stress.
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What does the Bible say about not attending a funeral?

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” It is a testimony to our family and friends that we believe our deceased loved ones are not in the casket.
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