General Chat

Personally, I think if children are old enough to say they want to go, they're old enough to go, whatever the age or relationship. I don't think a funeral is a place for babes in arms, simply because there is too much going on emotionally for most of the adults but apart from that a funeral is as much a part of life as a wedding and I would take any child that was old enough to sit still and behave appropriately. My mother didn't go to either of her parents funerals even though an adult because it was the custom for only men to attend funerals where she came from so it can be a cultural issue but like I say, I personally think everyone should be included because it is such an important life event.

I think I would wait until they asked, then they will probably be old enough to get reasonable answers to their questions. I was never allowed when I was a kid and told that I should remember 'auntie' so and so as she was. It depends on the kids I guess. Personally I think 6 is too young, but by 10, you would be asking more in depth questions and be ready to be given the answers. Claire xx

I say protect young children from the harsh reality of life until you really have to. I would not like for my children to go to a funeral (almost 6 & 10) The raw emotion is frightening, but for a young child, also bewildering and overwhelming. If its a close relitive of the child, maybe its better for friends to look after the children during the service, then bring them back to the house after where they can see everyone and when the emotion is not quite so raw Elaine x (went to mums funeral at 14 and it was horrendous)

hi Shelli I can understand how you feel. I took my eldest 2 children to their great grandmothers funeral 3 years ago, they were 8 and 9 years old at the time,I didn't take my youngest as she was only 1. My eldest 2 had asked if they could go and they coped very well and were given the answers to any questions asked.

At what age do you think children should attend funerals??? A of a close relative??? Aunt/Uncle Nan/Granddad etc B of a not so close relative??? Further apart than the ones I mentioned before. Am curious because this is currently an issue in our family. This time last yr, my husbands step granddad died. I thought my daughter should attend as she would then know what occurred but wouldn’t be directly affected ( she isn’t my husband’s daughter) She was 11. However my sister is taking her eldest two to a funeral next week, it is their uncle by marriage not blood. They are 6 and 10. I certainly feel the 6 yr is too young and maybe even the 10 yr old?? So what do you think??????

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