Should I take my toddler to a family funeral?

[vroomvroomwheelie]

I really need & want to attend a family members funeral. I don't really have any childcare so wondering if it's acceptable to take a toddler to a funeral? Grandparents say yes and that everyone will be happy to see DS but im not sure if it's frowned upon?

I’ve done it several times.
Even if you end up pacing around outside with them through the service if they can’t sit quietly, you’ll still have done as much as you could do to attend and will still have a chance to speak with your family.
You also might need to be realistic about expectations (eg my children sat fairly nicely through the church service for my mum’s funeral, but we didn’t try to get them to do the crematorium service straight after - their dad took them for a run around a park then they came back for the family gathering after).
If taking your child is the only way for you to go, then it’s absolutely worth trying.

I think its fine

If key family members have said yes and he’ll be welcome, you shouldn’t worry about taking him.

Sorry for your loss.

@PurpleDaisies

If key family members have said yes and he’ll be welcome, you shouldn’t worry about taking him.

Sorry for your loss.

This

Yes, take a big snack that's fiddly to eat (e.g. raisins) and a quiet activity (drawing if old enough, a lift the flap book they will read alone, stacker toy, little cars), sit at the back, talk to them about sitting quietly if they will understand, be prepared to go out.

Recently attended a close family members funeral with a 3yo and a baby - it was that or not attend. Got smiles for the little noises we made, went out in the middle.

Circle of life and all that

It's fine