etiquette question

tegss

I am going to attend a visitation/viewing and funeral for a friend's father. I have a sitter for the funeral, but not for the visitation.

 Is it appropriate to take my DS to the visitation/viewing?

TIA.

Mrs.Cooley2bee

I say yes it is okay to take DS.  I think the most important thing is to be respectful, so if your DS decides to have a meltdown or starts running around/screaming like crazy then remove him from the situation ASAP.

Sorry to hear about your friends father. 

MrsMoher

Mrs.Cooley2bee:

I say yes it is okay to take DS.  I think the most important thing is to be respectful, so if your DS decides to have a meltdown or starts running around/screaming like crazy then remove him from the situation ASAP.

Sorry to hear about your friends father. 

Ditto.  Unfortunately we have been there a LOT recently.  Just be sure to prep DC (i.e. fed, clean diaper or gone potty right before, and try to explain to be quiet).  I would also recommend if possible you do not approach the coffin with the child.  That causes all kinds of questions and comments that a grieving widow do not want to hear (like "Hi, so and so" if they know them or "Why is that guy sleeping").  Out of respect I would have someone hold DC while you go up to the casket.

kyfirewife

Mrs.Cooley2bee:

I say yes it is okay to take DS.  I think the most important thing is to be respectful, so if your DS decides to have a meltdown or starts running around/screaming like crazy then remove him from the situation ASAP.

Sorry to hear about your friends father. 

 This.

We took DD to two funerals when she was 1 yo or younger. We actually had people comment that seeing her / playing with her was a welcome distraction for them.

ML*

You could be in and out of there in 10 minutes if you had to so it's fine to take DC.  Most families don't expect people to stay around for hours at a time during the visitation.