Last updated 5 days ago
Losing a loved one is traumatic for children and adults alike. Learn how to support children as they grieve while you cope with your own mourning by reading the information in these links.
At Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, our compassionate team knows how confusing the funeral planning process can be at this difficult time. That is why we are available to walk you through every step of planning the perfect memorial for your loved one. Call us at (877) 265-0352 and find out all of the ways we can be of service to your family.
Last updated 12 days ago
Deciding how—and if—to involve children in a funeral can be a challenge. It’s normal to worry about age-appropriate ways to include children in celebrating the life of a lost loved one without overwhelming them. Usually, the best policy is to include children and let them tell you what makes them most comfortable.
Watch this video to learn ways to make children part of the funeral of a loved one. The first step is to give them the option to attend the funeral. If they want to be there, ask them what feels right. Children can simply be present, or they can get involved by reading a poem or helping to greet guests.
Leak & Sons Funeral Homes is here to help with all aspects of funeral planning. Contact us at (877) 265-0352 to learn how our compassionate team can support your family.
Last updated 18 days ago
Pre-planning your funeral can remove a tremendous burden from your loved ones at a very difficult time. When you make your own funeral plan, your loved ones can feel confident that they are fulfilling all of your final wishes and giving you the kind of memorial you would have wanted. Pre-planning also allows you to take some of the financial burden off of your family members. If you decide to make arrangements for your funeral in advance, here are some of the things you should consider:
Funeral Service Type
Would you prefer that your family and friends gather for a traditional funeral service, or would you rather they hold a memorial for you in a favorite location? What role should religion play in your funeral, and what customs would you like to be recognized during the service? Choosing the funeral service type will help shape all of your other decisions.
Disposition Preferences
It’s important to let your family know if you wish to be buried, cremated, or entombed in a mausoleum. You can also choose the location for your disposition. Select your burial plot or entombment location, and reserve your space by putting down a deposit. If you choose to be cremated, make a plan for what to do with your ashes. You can decide if you’d like your loved ones to keep your ashes or to scatter them in a special place.
Service Budget and Pre-Payment
Funerals can be expensive, but funeral pre-planning allows you to pre-pay some or all of your service fees. Work through the budget for your service and decide what you can pay for now. A POD (payable on death) bank account offers a way to set aside money for any funeral expenses that can’t be pre-paid.
Leak & Sons Funeral Homes offers funeral pre-planning services to help you lighten the burden of your passing on your loved ones. Our compassionate representatives can walk you through the entire planning process. Call us at (877) 265-0352 or visit our website and let us help you explore your options for your funeral memorial service.
Last updated 19 days ago
Coping with loss is difficult enough without having to make funeral arrangements. Pre-planning can help lessen your loved ones’ tremendous burdens in the days after your passing. When you leave a detailed plan of your own memorial, your loved ones won’t have to endure the pressure of guessing your final wishes. A Chicago funeral home created this infographic detailing the benefits of pre-planning and the choices you’ll face as you make your funeral plan. The decision to pre-plan your funeral can affect your loved ones in numerous ways, so please share this helpful information.
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Last updated 25 days ago
Children do not usually grieve in the same way as adults. Because death is often a new concept to children, their sadness may be compounded by confusion and fear. Very young children may not understand that the deceased person is not coming back. Older children with a better handle on the concept of death may still experience shock that it has happened to someone they know. It’s natural for grieving children to display sadness, anger, and anxiety, but it’s important to look out for signs that they are not processing their emotions in a healthy way. Consult with your pediatrician if your child exhibits these symptoms before, during, or after the funeral:
Acting Younger Than They Are
Many children behave younger than they are in the wake of a death of a loved one. This behavior may be particularly pronounced after the death of a parent. Children may want to be held, talk in baby talk, or have their food cut up for them. This natural reaction becomes a problem if it persists for an extended period of time. If this behavior continues long after the funeral, a pediatrician may be able to help.
Imitating the Deceased Person
After the death of a beloved family member or friend, children may mimic the behavior of the deceased. They may imitate the person’s voice, favorite sayings, mannerisms, and so forth. This kind of imitation is not unusual in small doses, but when done excessively, it can indicate a problem in coping with the mourning process.
Withdrawing from Normal Activities
Losing someone naturally triggers feelings of sadness, but prolonged depression is not part of the normal grieving process for children or adults. When children withdraw from friends and favorite activities, have trouble sleeping and eating, or stop performing in school, they may be depressed. A pediatric psychiatrist or other mental health professional can help.
At Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, we’re here to make the grieving process easier by helping you plan a fitting memorial service for your lost loved one. We offer burial, cremation, and custom funerals for your family’s needs. Contact us at (877) 265-0352 to learn more about our services.
