https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:48:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584965 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:18:39 +0000 lemondrop 2584965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We went to my grandfather's on Saturday. I put together a busy box of quiet things to keep them busy (4yrs and 2 yrs) my husband took them out about halfway through since they were getting antsy. They had a Sunday School room that we used for the rest of the service, then they joined us for brunch after. Very welcoming church for kiddos, but I was getting more stressed over them getting more and more active, so we stationed ourselves at the exit side of the row, then they slipped out when it was time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584903 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:18:58 +0000 travelgirl1 2584903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runnerd: @Mamaof2: @snowjewelz: @youboots: @Alivoo01: @cam: @lamariniere: @nana87: Thanks, all. I'm leaning towards taking them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584786 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:59:38 +0000 nana87 2584786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lo has been to 2 funerals--both times she was taken out to the hallway of the synagogue when she was being loud. She only came to the gravesite for one of them--she napped through the whole thing in her car seat/stroller. The second one we didn't even try to take her to the cemetery since it was far from the synagogue and neither dh nor I could watch her since it was fil's funeral (my mom took her back to mil;s house). Both funerals it meant a lot to have her there, even though "there" was just the lobby and not the actual service </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584735 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:17:10 +0000 lamariniere 2584735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go but probably sit in the back so you can make a discreet exit if necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584717 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:38:26 +0000 cam 2584717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd go as long as there's a lobby or something you can excuse yourself to if she gets restless </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584710 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:29:55 +0000 Alivoo01 2584710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For our culture, as long as the child doesn't see the body, it's fine. I've taken DS to 3 funerals and we just hang out just outside where the activities are taking place. DH or a family member/friend will come out to watch DS for a few minutes so I can go in and pay my respects. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584686 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:00:55 +0000 youboots 2584686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Id go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584671 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 10:50:03 +0000 snowjewelz 2584671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up not taking DD to a recent funeral; but I had every intention to (and my decision was not related to how she would behave, etc). I would've stayed with her in the lobby area, b/c she def would not sit quietly through the whole service (19 mo). I feel comfortable taking her there tho b/c it's our church so I'm very familiar with the surroundings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584668 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 10:49:10 +0000 Mamaof2 2584668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think its fine to take kids- all the relatives love seeing them!</p> <p>Took my 5yr old to a funeral last week - she was very verbal and loud -</p> <p>Is he dead?<br /> Is he is heaven?<br /> Is he gonna wake up now?<br /> Ok I'm done lets go!</p> <p>It was a long service and I ended up taking her into another room since she was getting antsy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584658 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 10:25:41 +0000 runnerd 2584658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My great aunt's funeral was last week. 2 week old attended everything, 2 year old attended casual visitation portion, but did not stay for the actual funeral service (he is WILD, otherwise would have considered him staying). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-and-funerals#post-2584651 Tue, 12 Jul 2016 10:19:22 +0000 travelgirl1 2584651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are your thoughts on kids attending funerals?</p> <p>We have an almost one-year-old and a three-and-a-half year old. Both are great kids. Both find it hard to sit quietly in church, understandably.</p> <p>DH's uncle's funeral is next week. It will be a full requiem mass, but aunt is saying it will be a celebration and children are very, very welcome.</p> <p>Initially I was going to keep the kids home then join everyone at the wake with them. However, the more I think about it, I wonder whether I should take them. DD, especially, has asked a lot of questions about death lately. Part of me wants her to know it is okay, even if people she loves are crying, they are okay and funerals are part of life. We English are SO stiff upper lip about everything, especially people crying. I want my kids to be more socially accepting of this stuff.</p> <p>Anyway, is this too much too soon? Even though it will be deeply religious, my MIL especially is very understanding about kids not being able to sit still in church. She says it's their way of talking to God and I think the family would be okay if there was a bit of kid noise (I obv would take them out if too much).</p> <p>Also, I think the kids would really cheer everyone up. Especially DH's aunt and daughter, who gave stressed not to wear black, it's a celebration etc. But obviously I don't want to upset my daughter.</p> <p>Very torn on this one. Thoughts? </p>