What age is appropriate for a wake?

There are many factors. A wake with an open casket can be very traumatic for kids — but a funeral Mass is a celebration of life and is likely appropriate for any age. My daughter would likely not attend a wake until she was 9 or 10, but a funeral Mass depends on how the child behaves in Mass."

At what age can a child go to a wake?

By age 7 or so, most children understand the permanence of death. A school-age child is also old enough to attend a funeral, but only if he wants to. Give your child the choice of whether he wants to go or not, without any pressure or coercion to go, Markham advised.

What is proper etiquette for a wake?

Dress nicely, but you don't need to be too formal. The standard protocol for a funeral visitation is to stop by, introduce yourself to the family (if needed) and pay your condolences, and then leave after a short period of time.

Who should attend a wake?

Wakes and viewings are usually open to all guests, though if the family has not invited you or specified that the event is family-only, you should respect their wishes and not attend. If the body will be present and on view, you may want to prepare yourself emotionally.

Should you bring toddler to wake?

It may be appropriate to bring a younger child to a funeral if he/she is the son or daughter of the deceased. If the child had a particularly strong bond with a grandparent or other relative, it also may be appropriate for him/her to attend.

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Is it OK to take a 3 year old to a funeral?

The reality is that a child's age should never dictate whether he or she should attend a funeral, memorial and/or burial service.

Is it OK to take a 2 year old to a funeral?

If your child is able to sit still and quiet for longer periods of time, then they're less likely to cause a disturbance at a funeral. If they are very active or difficult to distract when bored, however, you'll probably want to book a sitter. First and foremost, you want to be respectful to the family of the deceased.

What should you not do at a wake?

But during the wake of their beloved, superstitions say that one must refrain from sweeping the floor. Neither should you try and take a shower at the place where the deceased is. Doing so may send its spirit away from the place, preventing it from “safely passing” to life after death.

Is it rude to go to a wake and not the funeral?

It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory. If you don't feel comfortable attending the wake, or you have a prior commitment you can't avoid, it's polite to let the grieving family know in advance – a phone call or message is usually appropriate.

Is it better to attend a wake or a funeral?

When You Should Attend Just the Wake or Just the Funeral. Someone wise once said that you should attend the wake if you would like to show support to the survivors. You should attend the funeral if you need to grieve yourself. If you find yourself in both camps, attend both the wake and the funeral.

What not to say at a wake?

Don't tell friends or family members who are grieving that their loved one has gone to a better place. Never call the death a blessing or speculate that it was that person's time. Avoid saying anything that suggests that the loss of the loved one is a positive thing.

How much money do you give at a wake?

How Much Should You Give? The traditional gift is the amount you would have spent on flowers for the service, generally between $50 and $100.

Do you have to wear black at a wake?

You don't have to wear black but a wake isn't the place to wear your leopard print blouse or salmon-colored khakis. Stick with neutral colors like navy, grey, and dark green. Keep your accessories simple. Your accessories should be simple and neutral.

Should a 7 year old go to a funeral?

Many people worry that their children are too young to go to a funeral and won't understand what is happening. But most children have a full understanding of death by the time they are about 8-10 years old and many younger children will have enough understanding to go to the funeral.

Should a child view an open casket?

If your child is around four years old and older, it's important to discuss what an open casket is and to see if they feel comfortable seeing it themselves. If they are not comfortable with seeing an open casket, it's important to be supportive of their decision.

How long should you stay at a funeral wake?

According to the The Funeral Source, it is appropriate for guests to stay at the wake for as little as 15 to 20 minutes. However, you should use your own discretion upon deciding when to leave. If you're close with the family, you may want to stay longer. Offer to help and socialize with the other guests at the wake.

Do you give money at a wake?

It's common for people to give money at birthdays, weddings, but at funerals giving money isn't always a respectful gift. However, the protocols can sometimes be altered and people may still offer money if that's how they feel, or the grieving family needs the help.

What do you bring to a wake?

What is expected at a wake?

A wake, also known as a viewing, visitation or gathering, typically occurs before the funeral takes place. An urn or a casket is typically present, and the casket may be opened or closed. At this time, people pay their respects and offer condolences to loved ones of the departed.

Can you wear jeans to a wake?

You should not wear jeans to a wake or visitation if at all possible. In some instances where it is inevitable due to leaving directly from work, etc. paying your respects to the family and the deceased comes before inappropriate clothing.

What is the purpose of a wake?

A wake (sometimes referred to as “calling hours”) is a more unstructured time where friends and family of the deceased come to pay their respects one last time, and in many cases to view the deceased before they are buried.

Is Death at a Funeral appropriate for kids?

Death at a Funeral is rated R by the MPAA for language, drug content and some sexual humor. - Depictions of fighting. Sexual Content: - Buttock nudity seen in non-sexual contexts.

Should a 6 year old go to grandparents funeral?

Firstly, there is no “rule” when it comes to children attending a funeral. Some grieving family members prefer children not to attend as they worry they'll be a distraction from the ceremony, but in most cases kids are allowed to attend.

When should you not attend a funeral?

Should you explain death to a 3 year old?

Losing a parent is often painful and each person experiences the loss differently. This pain and grief can be intensified when we talk with our children, who struggle with understanding death (as we all do!). Children under 3 need simple, straightforward, and truthful explanations about what has happened.