Why Children Should be Included in a Funeral

keyserfuneral • March 3, 2022

Why Children Should Be Included in a Funeral


When a child falls and scuffs a knee, we kiss the boo-boo. A boo-boo kiss doesn’t really make the injury “all better” but, it is an important first step. It acknowledges the injury. The child is comforted that an adult is in charge. They know they are not alone. The hurt knee might need stitches, or it might just need some soap and water and a super hero bandage. Either way, the boo-boo kiss is the first step to things falling into order. 

 

 A funeral is like a boo-boo kiss. Everyone needs to start somewhere when someone in the family dies. The funeral, regardless of its form, acknowledges that life has changed for everyone. Gathering together provides an opportunity to give and receive comfort. It provides an opportunity to share memories. The child can see that he is not alone in his feelings of sadness. The funeral is for all family, friends, and, yes, the kids. 

 

Psychocologytoday.com suggests that children be asked if they wish to attend the funeral. The child chooses. This means an adult should be able to tell the child what she can expect so the choice is an informed one. 

 

When children are a part of the family experiencing loss, they should be considered from the very beginning of funeral preparations. Those family members making arrangements, should ask the funeral director about how children will be accommodated. Ask about a family lounge where kids may take a break. Ask if you can bring snacks for the younger ones.   

 

The adults in charge should be sure they have all the information needed so they can properly prepare the children in the family. A funeral isn’t easy, it does not make the loss less acute, and nothing can make it “all better.” A funeral is an important first step to a healthy adjustment to loss. Kids should be included to the extent they wish to be. 


https://www.keyserfuneralservice.com

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation in Kingston, NY?

April 10, 2026
Families in Kingston, New York often ask what is required from the next of kin when planning burial or cremation arrangements. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), written authorization from the legal next of kin is typically required before any final arrangements can begin.

Why Do Funeral & Cremation Costs Vary in Kingston, New York?

March 6, 2026
Families in Kingston, New York, often notice that funeral and cremation prices can differ between providers. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), costs are influenced by factors such as service type, facility offerings, and regional standards.

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Kingston, New York?

February 6, 2026
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with cremation is about $6,280. For families who choose direct cremation without a service, costs typically range between $2,800 and $3,000.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Kingston, New York?

January 9, 2026
Families in Kingston, New York, often wonder what to expect when planning a funeral. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300, while a funeral with cremation averages $6,280.

Why Don’t We Celebrate Life While the Person Is Alive?

By Eric Keyser • February 11, 2025
Interesting question, isn’t it? The person asking the question had recently attended what he described as a “fabulous funeral.” Turns out the funeral was billed as a celebration of life. Our questioner, Mark, attended because the person who died was the mother of a co-worker he had worked with for more than 30 years.

Moving On With Life After the Death of a Loved One

By Eric Keyser • January 9, 2025
Moving on is not the same as forgetting. Moving on after the death of a loved one, especially a spouse, just means actively engaging in life. It means reaching a point where the mourner has things to look forward to again. J. William Worden, PhD tells us the fourth task mourners must accomplish as they move through grief is to “find an enduring connection with the deceased while moving on with life.”

Holiday Conversations

By Eric Keyser • December 4, 2024
Lots of folks will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with their parents, siblings or children over the next few weeks. For some, the holidays may be the only time during the year has at least one hot topic it’s best to avoid. But there is one subject that should be tackled, even if it seems hard, while everyone is together.

Veterans Day - Thank You for Your Service

By Eric Keyser • December 4, 2024
Because you are there we all sleep better at night. You serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Some of you serve for two years, some for twenty or more. Some enter into service at a tender age looking for opportunity. Some are following a longstanding family tradition. You are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We, thank you for your service.

Where Are You Now? Three to Six Months After the Death of a Spouse

By Eric Keyser • December 4, 2024
Grief is individual. Everyone experiences the sorrow over the loss of a loved one in their own way and at their own pace. That said, there is enough common ground for scientists, behaviorists and psychologists to describe steps or stages of grief. These scales for grief are useful. They can be helpful to see your feelings mirrored in the process and it is good to see that progress is to be expected.

“When I Die, I Just Want You To …”

By Eric Keyser • December 4, 2024
Consistency is crucial. A series of “in the moment” comments to various children at different times, almost always leads to each child having at least a slightly different page at a time when they really need to work together.