My Wifes' good friend lost her Son over the weekend. This young man was in a bad auto accident. The viewing will be a closed casket. I am looking on views on taking children ( my Son is 4 y.o.) to this kind of event.
2007-11-26 02:11:49 · 14 answers · asked by ripken_hof 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Depends on the child's attitude..is the child going to be squirmy and noisy..then no...if you are confident the child is going to be quiet..then yes.
I have had my kids attend funerals since they were young and my granddaughter was in attendance when my father passed away @4yo...it opens them up to ask questions..so better start thinking of answers. My granddaughter recently as 2 weeks ago attended her moms mothers viewing..and she isn't traumatized..she(6yo) just became more aware that death is a natural occurrence whether from an accident or illness...and knows the proper protocols when confronting an immediate family member...her being the youngest there brought smiles to those that saw tragedy and reaffirmed that life goes on.
2007-11-26 02:27:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Probably not a 4 year old. If he was a little older, like 7 or 8, I think it would be OK. At that age, they can comprehend death and it might even be a nice way to open the door to a conversation about it. But at age 4, he's probably too young and might be kind of a distraction at the funeral.
2007-11-26 02:22:34 · answer #2 · answered by red beret 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Highly inappropriate, even if your son is incredibly well-behaved for a 4 year old. As the mother to two toddlers who can be perfect angels one minute, and screaming devils the next, I suggest you leave your son with a sitter. This poor woman who lost her son is probably grief stricken enough as it is, and to have to put up with a chattering 4 year old while she's mourning the loss of her son at a funeral home won't help matters much. There's a time and and a place for kids, and a funeral home isn't one of them.
2007-11-26 04:57:33 · answer #3 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I wouldn't go so far as other answers saying it would be traumatic, but I also wouldn't take such a small child to a funeral home due to behavioral issues. I'm not saying your child is ill-mannered or anything, but I've seen some usually very well-behaved children act up in these situations. I'd definitely look into getting a babysitter.
2007-11-26 02:21:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I was four years old, my grandfather died. I didn't go to the funeral, but I think a few days before, our dad took me and my sister to the actual spot. My dad simply told us:
"This is where grandpa will be."
Two years later, my step grandfather died and this time I actually went to the funeral. I was six and nothing traumatized me. The ceremony however, was kind of boring.
2007-11-26 02:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ in the sky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the maturity level of your son. This might be a good opportunity to teach him about death, depending on whether you think he's old enough to act appropriately in the situation. I think that perhaps 4 might be a little young.
2007-11-26 11:23:04 · answer #6 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on how mature a kid you have. Some 4 yr olds are very mature and can understand such things and are fine to be in such situations.
2007-11-26 18:45:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 children, 3, 2 and 6 months.
If it is a relative then i would take them but i wuld sit at the back in case they fussed, out of respect, i could take them outside to calm down.
If it is a friend, no, i would find a babysitter.
2007-11-26 03:09:32 · answer #8 · answered by Kat 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I would say no, why take him when he doesn't understand whats going on. Also, you know it's very hard for a 4 year old to sit quietly for any length of time.
2007-11-26 02:36:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The child does not need to attend. He is young enough to not really comprehend what is going on (4 years old).
The lad is dead and he won't care.
Leave little boy home with a sitter.
Let him enjoy childhood, it will be gone soon enough.
2007-11-26 02:48:59 · answer #10 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋