Memorial Service

I brought my 2 year old and my newborn in a double stroller to a service for a good friend recently. I made sure to sit near a door in case I had to make an escape! It worked out fine. Also, a memorial service with cremation is pretty much the same as another service. The important thing is to be there to support your family. If it is you and your husband you can tag team with the little guy if necessary. My mom always said that having the 4 of us kids at her mom's wake/funeral is what really helped people through it.

Take him along if he can sit quietly for that long. But if not, I would recommend leaving him with a family member or sitter. The service will last for probably an hour, if not longer. Also, do you think it will affect him seeing your aunt no longer alive? I know he obviously will not understand what's happened but if you were close and saw her a lot, do you think he will want to try to touch her, play with her, get her to respond, that sort of a thing?

I have taken my both of my kids, to close family member's services. Once I didn't and everyone asked where they were. I do think a child brightens a sad day. If you will have other members of your own close family, I bet they will be more than happy to help take him for a walk, or what not.
My kids have sat through services, and they have been taken out in the hall or kids room so they are not disrupting any speaking.
Do what feels right to you. It might not hurt to call ahead to the funeral home and ask if they have any space set aside for children. One place went had a room with a windowed door, so they could read, watch a little video or do puzzles. You can always take a backpack of quiet things to do.

I brought my little people to services but that's because I really didn't have babysitters. There is nothing wrong with bringing them, as death is part of our living experience.But two year olds have to be watch a lot of the time, so if you want peace, then maybe leave him with someone just for your own experience being calm.

I'm sorry for your loss! I'd get a sitter for this, at best you'll want to console family, at worse you don't want someone fussing or being inappropriate without intending to do so. Honestly there will be some intense emotions, it probably isn't great to bring such a young child in unless it's absolutely necessary. They can't understand what's going on or even how to be quiet at that age. :)

D.

I usually take Connor (turned 2 in May) to a wake because that is not as formal or solemn and he usually lightens the mood, but he cannot sit still so I never take him to an actual service. If I did take him it would have to be with my husband so one of us could take him outside if needed. An actual service is not really a time for our beautiful 2 year olds! :)

M. R
First I am sorry about your loss. second death is part of life and so are children In my experience at memorials and funerals whenever there was a cute little child around it seemed to have a very positive affect on those around me. I have brought all my children to every close family members services. They are ages from 2-14 years old. Over the years they have been to about 12 such services. If you attend church/worship services regularly your little guy will be fine. Again I am sorry for your family loss.
J.

Honestly, I don'tsee why not. But if you don't think he will be able to be quiet and sit still for about an hour or 2, then you might want to get a sitter. We took my kids to my grandmother's service and they were fine. At the time they were about 3 1/2. Sometimes, some memorial chapels have family rooms and the kids are able to sit there to watch TV or color.