Do I take my children to their granddads funeral?

It’s such a hard one, but in my opinion I wouldn’t take my child that young I think it’s not the best environment where you need to be quiet and people crying etc, as they won’t understand what’s happening My 8 month old don’t sit still for 2 seconds! But I would speak with your family how they feel about it, you could always take them out/ wait close by incase baby does need you for breastfeeding during this time x

Could you just go to the gathering afterwards rather than the funeral itself? That’s what we did for a family funeral when my daughter was about 18 months. My husband went to the service (it’s was his family member), then my daughter and I joined him afterwards. Xx

@joanna that's seems fair. I'm just gutted as I was so very close to him and I wanted to be there. But I did get to say good bye after he passed in the hospital. X thank you that's really helpful

Sorry for your loss.

Personally I wouldn’t as at that age it doesn’t really mean anything to them (factoring in also that they hadn’t seen him much in hospital to understand). It’s also a space for adults to grieve and for you to support your husband and any duties he has like pallbearing.

I’d collect them afterwards to cheer up grandma and others though. I never went to funerals as a kid and I don’t really think it’s a place for littles xx

Can you leave them with your family or nearby friends for the hour then collect them for the wake straight after? Xx

@Sarah I could leave my 1 year old, If someone is free to have her. But can't leave my baby as he's breast fed only... no bottles etc xx thank you for the advise

When my mil died of cancer we left my 18 month old with my parents so I could be there for my oh. When my dad died they were 7 and 15 and wanted to say goodbye and it was important they were there and my mum wanted them there as she wanted them to put flowers on the coffin.
How far away is it?
Personally I would ask family (if possible) to babysit although difficult if bf.

@Karen thank you xx its so tough...appreciate you sharing your experience

I took my son when he was a newborn and all went well so I do recommend going with your kids especially since they were close to him.

What does the family think? I would take the baby no problem. I took my baby to her g-grans funeral at 4 months, she's breastfed so had to be with me. But I didn't take my 3 yr old. He wouldn't have wanted to be there and would have just complained. I think if he was under 18 months, as long as other family members were ok with it, I'd probably take them. As long as they are ok to wonder and play. Personally, after my husbands nans funeral recently, I've been advocating for babies at funerals 😂 it gives people something positive to focus on! Everyone was giggling at her chatting to herself throughout the service and loved saying hi to her after.
My Nan died when my now 3 yr old was 9 weeks old, and again, everyone loved having the baby there!
A toddler is different though because you can't really expect them to sit still and quiet throughout, so again I'm back to, depends what the immediate family say/feel about it.

I personally wouldn't take children that young, as they won't remember it anyway. My eldest went to his great grandads funeral when he was 3 months old, but that was only because we had no childcare.

So sorry for your loss 😞 I remember when my nan passed away my cousins now ex wife brought my little cousin to her funeral and she wasn't very old. Feel free to message me ☺️ xx