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Once you schedule services with one of the funeral homes in Providence, UT, you may be considering ways to include your child at the event. Giving them options to help with participation not only offers them a chance to have the experience but also might help them process some of their emotions around the loss. There are several things to consider and ways to help include them, so let's look at just a few.
Sometimes involvement doesn't mean doing anything; it could just mean the child goes to the event. One of the biggest factors is simply being present for the services; the child may not feel like they want to participate in any other form. Grief can be more challenging for children, so if they do not want to do anything besides go to the services, it is recommended to allow that to be enough.
Greeting guests is an important task; typically, there will be a guest book for individuals to sign, so having the child encourage this is one option. If memorial tokens are being given to thank guests for coming, the child may be interested in handing out these small mementos.
Whether the ashes are buried, or you choose a traditional burial, allowing the child to engage in this process is also recommended. Placing the urn in the ground or laying flowers in the space are helpful tasks they can complete.
Music is a standard part of funerals, and if the child has a favorite song they shared with the deceased, consider having them sing it at the event.
Favorite memories and experiences can leave a lasting impression on people, which is no different for children. They may have a unique or special story they experienced with the loved one, so ask them if they would like to share it with the group.
Creating art can help bring healing because it allows individuals to express themselves through what they make. You can encourage the child to draw a picture of the loved one and include it at the event. Some people are drawing on the coffin to express words of love and condolences about the deceased. In either case, it can help the child express their feelings and contribute to the event.
Each experience will be different, and asking your child if there is something special, they would like to do at the event can be helpful. This can foster a feeling of inclusion them and let them feel a sense of connection because they were able to participate in a meaningful way.
And if you have recently experienced a loss and are researching funeral homes in Providence, UT, we would love to support you through the process. We offer multiple services, including planning, so contact us today if you have any questions.