Sending children to a funeral

@Shar19 (8231)
United States
February 17, 2011 6:43pm CST
My grandmother's funeral will be on Monday. I have been struggling as to whether or not to have my children go to it. They are 5 and 9 years old. The kids also have off from school that day because it's President's Day. One of my neighbors has offered to watch the kids that day at her house and she has two children also. I'm thinking it would be too traumatic for them to go to the funeral but maybe we could pick them up for the luncheon afterwards. What would you do?
10 people like this
4 responses
@GardenGerty (159036)
• United States
18 Feb 11
Unless they were really close to her, or saw her frequently, I would not take them. If it was someone closer, I would. It is sweet that your neighbor is willing to watch them. Yes, I would take them to the dinner because it will lift other people's hearts to see them, and it may be a while before some of these people get to see them again.
@Shar19 (8231)
• United States
21 Feb 11
Hi GardenGerty - I think you are right. I'm going to come back and pick them up for the luncheon.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (159036)
• United States
21 Feb 11
You know your children the best, but I think you have gotten some good input.
1 person likes this
@falsey (11)
• United States
18 Feb 11
its something everyone will have to experience in there life, i think you should send them.
1 person likes this
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
5 Mar 11
Hi "falsey", Icouldn't agree with you mire. Good answer.
@bigal3 (1231)
• Thailand
18 Feb 11
Why would you even hesitate to take them? The lady was after all their grandmother. Will this be the first time someone close to you passed away since you have had children? You probably need to sit them down and explain to them what furnerals are about first in terms they can understand and that she is going to a better place after this life. Believe me they will understand. Passing away is a natural thing we all must do at some point in time. You could say this a very sad time for you, your family and all of her friends. Believe me they will understand if you help them to. Sorry to hear about your loss.
• United States
18 Feb 11
Shar I would do as you are doing and not take them either, taking them to the luncheon sounds reasonable and they will have a chance to meet with other family members also.