My name is Evan, and I am a funeral director at a busy funeral home in the Midwestern United States. I have found that many loved ones want to personalize the funeral experience, but they simply don't know how. I am going to outline some ways that you can make a funeral unique to the person you are celebrating. From dramatic readings to favorite music to decorated caskets, the only limit is your imagination when it comes to planning the perfect funeral. I hope your mind will be open to the possibilities the next time you are in the unfortunate situation of having to plan a funeral.
Add Unique Touches to a Funeral
Making A Funeral Easier On A Child: Three Things To Consider
Christina Clarke
Whether your child has lost an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or parent, a funeral can be a difficult and confusing event for a young child. If you have lost a loved one and have a small child, use this guide to help make the funeral and the viewing a bit easier on your little ones.
Provide Options
Your child may not feel comfortable in the room where the casket is, and that's okay. Talk to the funeral director about alternative places in the funeral home where your child can go to get away from everything. Some funeral homes have televisions with DVD players so you can distract your child with a child-friendly movie. If this isn't an option, consider bringing a portable DVD player or tablet and headphones. This provides a means of mental escape from the stress and emotion of the day. For older children, consider giving them the option of attending just the viewing or funeral instead of attending both.
Instruct Other Mourners In Advance
Well-meaning adults might want to talk to your child about how he or she is handling the loss, but this can be difficult for children to handle, particularly if your child has lost a parent. Instruct visitors as they arrive about what your child's wishes are. Your little one may prefer not to discuss the loss at all, and the adults in the room should respect that. Similarly, don't allow anyone to force your child to touch or kiss the dearly departed. If you have a friend or relative who is not respecting your child's boundaries, don't hesitate to ask your funeral home director to intervene on your behalf.
Assign A Family Helper
You'll be busy talking to the people who attend the viewing and making final preparations throughout the viewing and funeral. This means you may not be available to tend to your child's physical and emotional needs in the way that you want. Consider assigning a family helper to be there for your child. This might be an aunt or uncle, or it could be an older cousin or godparent. This person should be available throughout the viewing and funeral to help your child with anything that is needed, from using the restroom to taking a lunch break.
Discuss your concerns about your child and the loss of your loved one with a local funeral director, such as one at Fletcher Funeral Home PA. He or she may be able to help you find counseling, assist the child during the services, and provide advice on how to make the grieving process a bit easier for your entire family.
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