We have a funeral tomarrow and there are lots of younger children, 3 of whom have adha or other behavior problems. any ideas on how to keep them occupied? the funeral is full military so it will be at least a couple of hours.
2007-02-28 05:44:20 · 23 answers · asked by heather l 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
sorry about the typo, its adhd not adha.
2007-02-28 05:45:56 · update #1
this a Grandfather and Great-Grandfather to these kids and we are a very close knit family. a babysitter is out of the question for most of us as we all babysit for each other but we will all be there. i am needing things the kids can do while at the funeral and yes most likley in a separate room. and for those of you who don't think kids belong there, you are full of crap, its their Grandpa too.
2007-02-28 05:57:52 · update #2
Thank you, first of all, for giving the kids a chance to participate in the funeral. They can be a disruption, but they are family, too -- and a wonderful reminder that life is beautiful and will go on.
I recommend finding a couple friends, or maybe family members, who are willing to stay with the kids and miss out on most of the service. Have snacks available for them, as well as some art supplies and quiet games they can play. Be aware, too, that the kids will be curious about what is going on and may need to grieve in their own way. If they can participate quietly, let them.
2007-02-28 07:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by ihatesunsets 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first of all sorry for your lose. second, I'm not to sure but i don't think that a funeral is the best place for a child. especially if the have behaviour problems because people are going to be in morning and really don't want to hear screaming children. try to get a sitter, if none is avail. take some books and colouring books and crayons. maybe some quiet toys that you know they wont fight over. and make sure you explain to them ( age appropriate) what is going on and why they are there and that they need to be extra good and quite.
2007-02-28 05:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by michelled24 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OH my I don't think I'd let them attend. A regular funeral is difficult enough, but a military one will seem like an eternity to those children. Think of how difficult it is to keep them busy on a typical day. If they must attend, depends on age. If they are toddlers, small toys, or books might do it. Or crayons and paper. If they are school age kids, pencil and paper might work. If they are younger than 3, cheerios and small toys would probably work. Good Luck.
2007-02-28 05:48:45 · answer #3 · answered by Melanie A 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First off, why are you bringing kids to a funeral? My belief is that kids don't understand them anyway. Find a babysitter, if possible.
If you have to bring them, I would designate someone to remain outside the room the funeral is being held in and have coloring books or something along those lines for them to keep busy with.
2007-02-28 05:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh, ADHD, I feel for you. That runs in our family and I've had to learn to work with several family members who suffer with it.
Your biggest problem is going to be their young age and short attention span. ADHD, as you know, are very distractable. If they are going to be in a seperate room bring some board games, a portable DVD player, playing cards for a round of 'Go Fish'. Things that will keep them in the room - and hopefully sitting relatively still.
These children need to be informed as well. They need to know what is going to happen and what to expect. And what you - the adults and parents - expect from them.
Hope this helps. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ETA: Candy? Soda? Are you people crazy? Give them sugar and caffiene and the poor kids will be bouncing off the walls. Crackers and cheese, milk, juice, dry cereal if you must, but candy and soda is asking for trouble (as I'm sure you know).
2007-02-28 06:11:23 · answer #5 · answered by tngapch 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
look take the kids to a separate room show them an entertaining movie. try not to take them to the funeral but have some really fun things to do in the funeral. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-02-28 05:53:05 · answer #6 · answered by adelauda4ever 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would find a teenager, pay them, then take all the kids in a seperate room away from the people attending the funeral.
2007-02-28 05:48:10 · answer #7 · answered by punkin_eater26 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I understand you need ideas but I wanna ask why bring them if they need what would seem like 'special care?" I guess I would ask if there was a room away from the funeral to have them stay. Ask a responsible person to watch them. Provide games, coloring books and other items to occupy their time.
2007-02-28 05:56:35 · answer #8 · answered by shorty 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try finding a sitter(llok in the phone book for services) or locale YMCA'a offer daily drop off child care services, it really is not a good idea to take kids to funerals nor is it considerate to others toi have screaming, crying, loud children on a day to mourn.
2007-02-28 05:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by Jody 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
My condolences for your loss.
I see no reason to take a young child to funeral of that sort. Especially if you anticipate a behavior problem. Child care should be arranged. Taking an unruly child to a funeral, wedding etc. is just plain disrespectful.
2007-02-28 05:50:18 · answer #10 · answered by moosviews4u 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋