<p>Preparing a child for a funeral service can seem like a daunting task for any parent. Fortunately, we have some great tips and suggestions for you to utilize!<br /><br /> Getting a child ready for what to expect at a funeral can be tricky for a lot of people. Most parents have an instinct to want to protect their children from upsetting information, so approaching the topic of death can seem extremely wrong and even uncomfortable. Truthfully, death is just another part of life that we will have to gently explain to our children over time. Here, we provide some tips and suggestions for the next time you have to prepare your child for a funeral service. Our <a href="/hidden-pages/How-to-Choose-a-Monument-Wight-COunty-VA">funeral homes in Isle of Wight County, VA</a> are always open and ready to help all who walk through our doors! <br /><br /> <strong>Explain Death</strong><br /> One of the first things you&rsquo;ll want to get out of the way when beginning to prepare your child for a funeral is the &ldquo;death conversation&rdquo;. Depending on the age of your child, this conversation can look and go a number of different ways. One of the first things you can do when broaching this subject is to ask your child what they do and do not know about death. Most of the time and, much to our surprise, children know a lot more than we give them credit for, so it is entirely possible that they already have a basic understanding. Once you have gauged where they are at in terms of their understanding of death, explain the situation at hand regarding who has passed and what that exactly means. Be sure to steer away from terminology such as &lsquo;they are sleeping&rsquo; as this is simply not true. While you do not have to get into all of the specifics surrounding death, it&rsquo;s important to make sure that your child recognizes that the loss is permanent and that the loved one will not be returning. <br /><br /> <strong>Answer Questions</strong><br /> One of the most important aspects of preparing your child <a href="/about/our-blog/post?postId=f79a872f-62a2-4eb3-9999-9fa1318e31e1">for a funeral</a> is ensuring that you have made yourself available to answer any and all questions they may have. We strongly suggest answering each question as honestly and as thoroughly as possible. While it may feel uncomfortable to answer some of their questions, it&rsquo;s important that we recognize the importance and value of this life lesson, as it is preparing them for the future. Children will learn about death one way or another, and our belief is that the best place to learn and hear about it is from someone they love and trust, which is where you come in! <br /><br /> <strong>Outline What to Expect</strong><br /> Prepare your child for what they can expect at the <a href="/services/traditional-services">funeral service</a> and how they should behave while in attendance. If the funeral is going to be an open-casket service, you&rsquo;ll definitely want to explain this to them ahead of time. If your child exhibits some fear around the idea of an open casket, be sure to let them know that it is not at all mandatory for them to walk up and view the body. Let them know that it is perfectly acceptable for them to stay in their seat so long as they are quiet and respectful of the other mourners. This is also a great time to remind your child about the manners they should maintain throughout the service. <br /><br /> Our funeral homes in Isle of Wight County, VA are open and ready to assist you!</p>