children and funerals - Real Mum story on MoM

8 Comments

Last year my sister in laws brother died, I had no one to mind my toddler so I didn’t go to the funeral as I knew my daughter would be laughing, or chatting away and I didn’t think that was appropriate.
Now my sister’s mother in law has died and again I’m thinking it’s not appropriate to take my 2 year old to the funeral. But this time I can go as my husband will be home to mind our daughter.
Am I overreacting by not taking my daughter. Do you think it’s appropriate to take children to funerals?

Posted by mum4107, 29th April 2015

8 Comments

- - nictate said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    8:44 pm
Thank you. My daughter didn’t know the person. Since my husband is free to look after her I will leave her with him

- - mom93821 said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    6:12 pm
I have seen young children at funerals and it has been of comfort to people. The death of the person was explained in a beautiful way and the child was able to learn about death being a part of life. The mourners were sad at the loss of a loved one but also able to see the wonder of young and new life-they said it gave them comfort. Ultimately it is an individual decision for each person. The relationship to the person is also important in making a decision too.
- mom57522 replied
  
  08 Jun 2015 , 6:24 pm
  What a beautiful well thought out reply.
  - mom183091 replied
    
    27 Apr 2016 , 7:13 pm
    
    Yes , You can take your daughter with you for a funeral. These days we find lot of well arranged funerals with the help of Funeral directors (http://www.unityfunerals.com.au/) like where they play music , provide floral arrangements , filming & photography and various function facilities .
- - BellaB said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    4:41 pm
I have taken my youngest when I had no choice, and sat where I could make a quick exit if she got disruptive. I think you have to judge each one depending on the likely reaction of the closest relatives.

- - nictate said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    2:40 pm
Thank you both. I’m happy with my decision now

- - mom90758 said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    1:55 pm
2 years I think it’s indeed quite young. I would wait till they are at least 6 or 7. But it depends on the kids. Some kids are calmer than others and also more mature to understand what’s happening.

- - smiles said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    1:11 pm
I actually agree with you. I didn’t take my children to their great grandma’s funeral as I didn’t think they would really understand and due to that could be noisy and loud when they should be quiet. Some did bring their children but again by the end of it I think we made the right decision.