03/23/2026
One of the most common questions families ask after a loss is:
“Should children attend the funeral?”
There is no single right answer, but many grief professionals agree that including children in remembrance rituals can be helpful when they are prepared and supported.
Funerals and memorial services can help children:
• Understand that the death is real
• Begin processing their grief
• Say goodbye in a meaningful way
• See how family and community support each other
• Feel included rather than confused or excluded
When children are kept away from funerals, they may sometimes feel left out or may imagine situations that are even more frightening than the truth.
If a child chooses to attend, preparation is important.
Helpful ways to prepare a child include:
• Explain ahead of time what they will see and hear
• Describe what the service will look like
• Let them ask questions
• Allow them to decide if they want to participate
• Provide a trusted adult who can step outside with them if needed
Children should never be forced to attend, but they should be given the opportunity to be involved if they want to.
Some children may want to:
• Draw a picture for the person who died
• Place a flower on the casket
• Share a memory
• Light a candle
• Participate in a family ritual
These small acts can help children begin to process their grief and feel connected during a difficult time.
The most important thing children need during loss is honesty, reassurance, and support from the adults who care about them.
Grief is a family experience, and including children in healthy ways can help them understand that they are not alone.
For additional trauma and grief resources:
www.tipnnv.org
