Toddlers at funerals

Jules_NC

My grandfather passed away this morning and we'll be attending his funeral soon.  It just occurred to me that a funeral isn't a good place (and maybe it's taboo) for a toddler.  I know an evening visitation is planned and a daytime funeral following.  We are traveling to the destination and I had first thought I'd be at both (that's what I want to do), but now thinking about the reality, is it ok for me to bring E to either?  Those who have been there/done that, what did you do?  Thanks for your advice.

SpeedGlenn

We took Ben to the visitation for Bif's grandmother's funeral.  We took him to the funeral/grave side, but he started to act up (he also had a fever of 105 and evidently had pneumonia too! we didn't know that at the time) so I took him back to the car and sat in the car with him until it was over so as not to disrupt things.

cate1119

Sorry for your loss!  I think since you'll be traveling -your options are more limited,  but I don't think it's wrong or anything like that to bring a toddler to a funeral.  I definitely would be prepared with some quiet books and if all else fails - just take her outside for a walk so she's not disruptive to the others.   

mrsNnearly

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I don't think it is taboo to bring toddlers to funerals. As pp mentioned, I would just bring some quiet books and toys and sit near the exit in case you have to take her out of the room during the service. GL with the trip! 

sophabelle

first i'm so sorry for your loss.

but i agree with what everyone else has said.  i think it's fine to bring a toddler, if dh is going w/you, maybe he can step out if she starts to get fussy so you can stay.  

i've also read posts where people say that it can actually be quite healing for the other people attending because it gives the people something happy to focus on.  (i'm not wording it right, but you get the general idea)

 

mandys84

condolences to you and family

ive been to 2 funerals since dd was born the first she was a few months old and i was going alone AND to a baby's funeral so i def got a sitter for that one..the second was a member of my family so my whole family was there so i really didnt have a choice,she was about 8 mos. at the time and dh and i agreed ahead of time that he would be the one to take her outside if needed since it was my family, and also we sat in a place the would be easy to get up without disturbing anything

also, as someone said earlier, i think that it did break a little of the sadness afterwards, so to say, babies can surely brighten things up and put a smile on peoples' faces