Funeral Activities for Grandchildren: A List of 8 Entertaining Options
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Funerals can be challenging events for everyone, especially for grandkids who may not fully understand the gravity of the situation. However, these occasions can also provide an opportunity for children to connect with their family roots and learn about life, death, and the importance of family bonds.
Here are some effective strategies to help grandkids cope and participate in a funeral while supporting the family's grieving process:
Preparing them for what to expect
Explain what will happen during the funeral and the days following, such as more visitors and possible school absences. This helps reduce uncertainty and prepares them for the situation.
Giving children choices
Allow them to choose photos to display, select songs, or decide on an item to be buried or cremated with the deceased. This involvement can help them feel empowered and connected.
Assigning a trusted adult
Consider assigning a family member, friend, or hired caregiver to look after your grandkids during the event. This ensures focus on the funeral proceedings and provides comfort to the children.
Normalizing and preparing them for seeing people upset
Reassure them that it is okay to feel and show emotions. This encourages emotional expression and reduces fear or confusion.
Allowing children the freedom not to engage
Ensure they understand they can leave or rest whenever needed. This freedom helps them manage their emotions and participate at their own pace.
Encouraging comfort objects
Provide emotional support during stressful moments by allowing them to bring a special toy or blanket.
Engaging in memorial activities
Create a memory box with drawings or keepsakes, or share stories about the deceased. These activities serve as tangible ways to remember and emotionally process the loss.
Using play and ritualistic activities
Structured memorial play can help children express grief indirectly and feel some control over their emotions. These activities can empower them and make grief more navigable.
Participating in children's activities
Encourage your grandkids to join storytelling or crafting sessions, which can help them process their emotions and feel more at ease.
Speaking to grandkids in plain and honest language
Discuss the situation in a straightforward manner to help them understand what is happening.
Funerals are moments of grief and reflection where loved ones say their final goodbyes. Yet, they can also be opportunities for grandkids to learn, connect, and bring comfort and hope to those in mourning. By implementing these strategies, we can ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for grandkids during funerals, prioritizing their mental health and well-being throughout the process.
"After the funeral, establishing a soothing home environment could help grandkids adjust to the change. For example, you might want to create peaceful spaces, like reading nooks or quiet gardens, to encourage relaxation and reflection – blending aspects of the home-and-garden theme with their new lifestyle."
"Moreover, as they move forward, discussing and planning family activities, such as volunteering at a local animal shelter or pursuing shared hobbies like gardening, can provide a sense of normalcy and foster a stronger family bond – emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices in aiding their recovery."
