How to Teach a Child Proper Behavior at a Funeral

Attending a funeral with a child is not always easy either for the parent or the child. Depending on how old the child is, and what relations the child has to the departed, a parent needs to know what to do and how to teach a child to behave at a funeral. If your child has no relations to the departed, it may be best to have someone babysit your child so you can visit without any interruption. But if you have no option, or if the child has any relations to the departed, then you must teach your child the ways on how to behave at a funeral.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good parenting skills
• Compassion and understanding
• Patience

1. Before going to a funeral explain to your child about the place that you are going to. You would also need to explain to your child a little something about the person who died. Find out from your child's reactions if he or she is ready to attend a funeral. Some kids are, naturally, afraid of funeral places and being surrounded by strangers. If this is the case with your child, then you must not take your child to the funeral. Hire a babysitter to stay with your child at home.
2. Dress your child in proper attire. Usually, Sunday clothes or church attires are appropriate. Make sure your child keep his or her outfit neat and clean.
3. Once at the funeral, have your child walk in next to you. Sign your names at the guest sign-in sheet and then introduce your child to those that come to welcome you. If you have already showered your child with proper manners, it will show on this occasion. Remind your child to be polite to the people at the wake.
4. Teach your child how to properly give respect to the departed. Again, if your child is fearful of seeing someone dead or on a casket, you do not have to bring your child close. If your child is not afraid, then show your child the way to look and keep proper distance. Tell your child to show respect to the dead. If your child has any relations, then it is okay for your child to kiss the cheek of the departed. Again, do this only if your child feels comfortable about it.
5. Tell your child to look solemn and not to laugh. Teach your child to be sensitive to members of the family of the departed.
6. Tell your child not to walk around or play. If your child cannot sit still, take him outside to get some fresh air. Once your child is relaxed again, go back inside.
7. Once the funeral march has begun, keep your child with you at all times. Hold your child's hand and walk with your child.
8. Teach your child to say a little prayer not only for the dead but to those who were left behind. Tell your child to be quiet at the cemetery. No playing is allowed even if other kids maybe doing so.
9. If your child is close to the departed, then give your child a flower to toss on the casket as it is lowered. Tell your child not to stay in other people's way and do not stare at people as they cry.
10. Once the funeral is over, tell your child to say goodbye to the family members of the departed. If there is a post-funeral gathering, take your child with you if your child is still up to it. Then remind your child to continue with his or best behavior until it is over.

Tips & Warnings

• When offering flowers, have your child help hand it to the family of the departed.
• Prepare your child days prior to the funeral.
• Do not force your child to attend a funeral if he or she is afraid.
• Do not discipline your child too loudly in public for any mistakes to avoid embarrassment.