Should Children Attend Funerals? A Thoughtful Guide for Parents

Yes, children can — and often should — attend funerals. While the instinct to shield kids from death may feel protective, it often does more harm than good.

The truth is, children grieve too. They sense loss, even if they don’t yet have the words to express it. Keeping them away from a funeral can unintentionally send the message that grief is something to hide — that emotions should be buried along with the person who has passed. This can make the experience of loss feel even more confusing, isolating, and, ultimately, more frightening.