Understanding Funeral Home Procedures

Going to a cremation service is never going to be a jolly event, but most people do get something out of attending the service. They get to remember their lived one and pay tribute to the life they led. In fact, sometimes they are even more like celebrations of life than somber services. No matter the mood of the cremation service, however, it's always inappropriate to let a misbehaving child stay at the cremation service. If you notice someone not disciplining their child or simply allowing the bad behavior to go on, here's how you should handle the situation.

Take a Deep Breath and Get More Information

Before you react to the bad behavior directly, take a deep breath. Find out more information before addressing the situation directly with the parent. Make sure that the misbehaving child is not a direct family member or very close friend of the deceased. If the parent or child is closest to the deceased, you will just have to let it go. Never confront someone who was closer to the deceased than you were.

Address the Parent or Child Directly

Depending on your comfort level with the parent and misbehaving child, you may try to nip the problem in the bud yourself. For example, if you know the both the parent and the child, you may discreetly explain to the child why they shouldn't behave that way.

If that doesn't work or if the parent wonders why you are talking to the child, address the issue with the parent. In as kind a way as possible, explain why the behavior is bothersome and request that it stop. If the parent is argumentative or persists further, ask that you both step aside for a moment. Never engage in an argument before, during, or after the cremation services where it is being held.

Talk to the Director

If the cremation service is being held at a funeral home like Final Care Cremation Services, go to talk directly with the director of the funeral home. You will likely get a response from the director or manager. It likely won't have been the first time they had to deal with someone behaving badly at a cremation service and will be able to do something themselves or offer you advice.

Finally, keep in mind that you never know what someone else is going through. The person may be deep in grief and not thinking clearly. It's always best to approach any potential conflict with as much diplomacy and kindness as you can muster.