A Guide to Planning A Funeral for your Child
Planning a funeral or memorial for your child is one of the most difficult times in your life. With the help of families who have been through the funeral planning process, those working in funeral care and health professionals we have prepared this booklet to guide and support you as you farewell your child in a way that is special, comforting, and meaningful.
Reading this booklet and confronting planning a funeral for your child will not be easy. It may be helpful to reach out to trusted family and friends, a family doctor, counsellor, social worker or health care team to support you.
“Nothing can truly prepare you for this and nothing you do will ever be enough in the farewell journey but the one thing I think helps me years later is that I put my heart and soul into it and created memories that I can carry with me forever.”
“It will never be okay to have to say goodbye to your child and plan their funeral but when I thought about it as planning their celebration of life – it helped me get through.”
Taking the time to think and reflect before decisions are made, is so important. As you begin to plan your child’s funeral or memorial keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. It needs to be your way and what feels best for you, your child, and your family. There is no need to rush through this process. You are in control, and whenever you feel ready, your funeral director will be there to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
Whilst we have tried to put together a comprehensive information booklet to help you arrange a funeral or memorial for your child, there may be other questions you think of. Consider which person is best to ask – your funeral director, your chosen celebrant, health professionals, family or friends.
Grief isn’t something that you get through or you get over. If you need support or just someone to talk to in the coming days and months connect with the palliative or hospice team involved in your child’s care.
Contacting a Funeral Director can be overwhelming and difficult, to support you with this initial step we have developed a video where you can learn more about how a Funeral Director can support you.
