My daughter is wanting to take my 13 month old grandson to a family funeral. Is this a good, or poor idea?

Answer 1

The baby won't realize where he is and what's going on if that's what you are worried about. However, a baby can be a big distraction at a funeral if he cries or babbles or generally acts his age during a funeral service. People who are there to grieve for their loved one may not appreciate it. I would get a sitter. She could always bring the baby to the gathering after the service, I'm sure the departed family member would have wanted the baby to be present for that part of their memorial.

Answer 2

GOOD idea.

People are usually so happy to see babies and young children at funerals because they are a reminder that life does go on and there are things to be happy and joyful about!

Children have the right to be part of the grieving process.

At only 13 months old, your daughter should be prepared to step out with her son if he should become disruptive. She should sit on the end of an aisle or somewhere that it will be easy for her to slip out of the room. If the service is in a church, there may be a "cry room" where mothers can take babies and young children and still see/hear what is going on. Sometimes funeral homes have a lounge where you can go and still hear the service if your child becomes restless. Be sure to have her ask about this when she arrives.

I've taken babies/children of all ages to funerals......from a couple of months old up to 5 years or so. I've never had a real problem and everyone is always glad to see the children.

BTW...all the people that are afraid of baby "picking up on the bad vibes" have forgotten the fact that, if a family member has died, the child has probably already noticed that something is different and people are sad. Babies and young children aren't stupid. He already knows something is going on.

Answer 3

This could be viewed a couple of different ways.... Personally I have a 15 month old daughter and I opted not to take her to a funeral recently because it was a family friend's grandfather, and she had never seen him before, but you are talking about a family funeral and i feel that it is important to say goodbye to family. On the other hand the child might not be able to grasp the situation. Either way it won't permanently affect the him, so you shouldnt worry too much about it, the only thing is that he may need to be taken out of the room during the service if he is too disruptive.

Answer 4

At 13 months he will have no understanding nor interest in this somber situation. It is probably best if your daughter finds a sitter for the period of time she expects to be away.

Most parents usually don't bring young children to these, not so much for the effect it could have on the child, particularly under 2 but rather for any disruption that could occur if the young one isn't quite prepared to be content.

Sorry for your family's loss, take care

Answer 5

That depends on how close the little one was to the person. When my great-grandmother passed in December, I did not take my children as she had been ill for the last 10 years so they never had a chance to really know her. When my father passed in February, I did take all 5 (ages 8,6,5,19 mo and 6 mo.). My two nephews and two nieces were also in attendance. They were all very close to their grandfather and he would have wanted them there. My mother, their grandmother, was also comforted by their presence. We had a huge funeral, around 350 in attendance and no one minded their chatter or tears. In fact we had many say they were glad for distraction from reality and slip for just a moment into their innocence. They were my fathers life.

Answer 6

If she could possiably find a babysitter, it would be for the best. The child is far to young to sit still in such a situation. He would more than likely interupt the services and distract your grandaughter from being able to grieve. Leave the baby at home.

Answer 7

VERY BAD IDEA

The boy cannot possible comprehend what is going on but will be able to pick up on the bad vibes and get upset.

He might get restless and cry or at very least make noise at inappropriate times because he won't know any better but it will disturb the other mourners.

Its no place for a baby, they shouldn't have to confront the morbidity of death for as long as possible.

Answer 8

Bad idea. The funeral will have no relevance to the child and he stands a good chance of disrupting it.

Answer 9

Generally,thats not such a good idea.I mean,little ones can really get bored easily and tend to get cranky.You don't want the baby upsetting someone else in their time of grief.But if he's this really well behaved baby,then I guess it's okay.I just thought it would be easier for her without a baby to keep pacified.

Sorry about your loss.God bless.

Answer 10

I think the only problem with taking him is that he will be a bit disruptive as a 13 month old kid has a small attention span.

I don't suggest taking him.