attitudes to letting children see a relatives body before burial.

[skeletonbones]

My childrens great uncle died this week. I have explained to them that he was very old and his body was too worn out to keep working and they have been fine so far. We are bringing him home to my aunties house where he lived, before the funeral and all the adult relatives will be viewing his body.
I am wondering what to do if the chidlren ask to view him too. I can't see much of a case for not letting them, I've seen him just after he died and he looked peacefull and not at all scary.,and I think it might reasure them that were not putting him in the ground asleep as they are a bit worried that he might need to pop out of his coffin for a drink of water, or the loo (!)
just wondered what the general feeling about lettinhg children see dead relatives was, as I'm in two minds really.
the children are 5 and 7 by the way.

So sorry about your son,Louise Ann

Sometimes I think chidren are more resilient than we give them credit for.

As you say,sometimes facing the reality of death can help in saying goodbye to someones' body.Their soul is elsewhere.

I will often open a window at work,after doing "last offices" to let their soul free.(I am not religious either,maybe just crazy!!)

My kids all held their stillborn sister which I think helped them to grieve. I am not sure what I would do with an uncle but if mine wanted to see him I would let them. It's natural and part of life.

One of my earliest memories is being left alone in my Grandad's bedroom to say "goodbye" after he died. I was 4 or 5. I remember touching the veins on his hand and patting his hair. It is a vivid memory. Not at all scary, very moving and special. I am really glad to have had that time.