Funeral

[theblindbat]

One of DS16's friends has sadly lost a close family member at the weekend. DS is going to go to the funeral next week, as are a few friends.

Although I will be taking him, he wants to sit with friends and doesn't want me to be there. I said I'd stay at the back, but he insists he'll be fine.

He's been to a funeral before, when much younger, and obviously never alone.

It doesn't feel right just dropping him off and leaving him to it, but is it, if that's what he wants?

He is 16 and with his friends. If you want to, be available nearby if he needs you, but otherwise I would respect his decision.

Might be worth mentioning roughly what to expect, the behaviour expected before and after the service and to quietly distance himself from anyone if they are disrespectful.

A friend of mine died when I was 18. I went to the funeral and wouldn’t have wanted my mum there, I think you should respect his wishes.

A friend of mine died when i was 13. I went to the funeral with friends. I cant imagine going with my parents as i felt i got more comfort being with friends who knew my friend too rather than my parents who didnt (not well anyway).
I think if that is what he wants then leave him to attend with friends and be available after if he wants you.

Hvae I read that right its the funeral of his friends relative not his friend? Definitely respect his wishes its part of growing up. I attended the funeral of my 16 year old friend at 16 and my friends and I all sat together with no parents and although it was very upsetting it seemed like the right thing to do and we took strength from each other.

Thanks for the replies.

I'll wait in the car then. I'm really not very good at attending funerals myself, despite having been to a fair few, but I didn't want to just abandon him.

Why should you be there?

I think it is good that he wants to be supportive to his friend.