Understanding and coping with death is difficult for everyone, but it can be especially disconcerting for children. After a memorial service, you may notice that your kids are unsure of how to deal with their grief, leaving them feeling angry, frustrated, confused, or depressed. Whether you’re planning traditional funeral arrangements or are opting for cremation services, consider the following guidelines to help young ones acclimate after losing someone they love. 

How to Help Kids During & After a Memorial Service

1. Maintain Open Communication

After a memorial service, many parents struggle to start a conversation with their kids about the feeling of loss and the concept of death itself. Too often, this leads to a complete lack of communication, which can disrupt the healing process for the whole family. Keep in mind that it’s OK for your kids to not be ready to open up about their feelings right away. As their guardian, your only job is to let them know they are not alone.

2. Always Be Honest 

The permanence of death can be nearly impossible for young children to wrap their minds around, which makes it difficult for parents to find a sensitive way to approach the subject. If they ask questions you aren’t sure how to answer, remember to be as honest as possible, even if you don’t know how to give them closure. When you don’t know how to address a particular concern, open up a dialogue to see if you can come to a conclusion together.

3. Honor Their Perspective

Children who are very young or who have not dealt with the passing of a loved one yet will struggle to grasp the concept of loss. By keeping your explanations as simple and brief as possible, you can allow them to digest the information at their own pace. It’s also important to remember that their relationship with the deceased will play a role in their initial reaction and ability to come to terms with their passing. Be prepared to answer their questions directly and make an effort to ensure that they aren’t left wondering about anything.

While it’s imperative to touch on the subject of death with sensitivity, this is especially true for younger family members. In Ohio, families look to Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home of Lebenon's comprehensive grief resources for any age group. Their commitment to helping families heal and team of compassionate professionals will give you peace of mind knowing you are not alone in your mourning. Read more about their approach to coping with loss here or call (513) 932-1239 to discuss memorial services.