To take my son to my Grandad’s funeral

[ziggiestardust]

My grandad died last night. We were all really close and we’re a loving family. We talk every day.

Anyway, my son is 7 and I don’t know whether to take him to the funeral. My Mum says death is a part of life, and we shouldn’t cover it up and hide him from it. My aunt says children have no place at a funeral.

My heart feels heavy and crunchy.

Can anyone please just give me some advice? I feel like all the family is just so emotionally charged and I want to make the right choice.

My son was 7 when his grandad died, they were very close. His teacher said 7 was too young. We took him to the wake instead of the funeral and I think it was the best decision.

So sorry for your loss OP Do what you think is best for your son, he is very young, and yes I agree death is part of life, but he is little.

I have to teenage sons, they didn’t attend any family funerals until they were 12/13, even as teens they found it tough.

If he did not want to go, then not, but otherwise I think he should go. Especially if he had any meaningful relationship with his great-granddad.

Will there be other children there of the same age? I can't actually remember seeing children younger than teenagers at funerals before (I've been to a lot over the years as it's common where we are to go to support the bereaved even if you didn't know the deceased), there have Children at the wakes.

Can I recommend this book too... here
It was recommended to me for my DS when his Dadda died. I've leant it to several friends. It explains about funerals. So sorry about your Grandad.

All the younger grandchildren were at my grandparents funerals. They helped lift everyones spirits tbh.

I was 11 when I experienced my first loss, I went to the wake but not the church, could that be an option? So sorry for your loss