Unhealthy to bury feelings

Children need to go to funerals, says Helen O’Callaghan.

CHILDREN want to attend the funerals of loved ones, and regret it if they don’t, says Mary Lynch, helpline coordinator with Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service.

She says it’s beneficial for children to attend the funeral of a parent, sibling or grandparent; but she understands why some parents want to keep their children away.