It's important to involve children in the funeral arrangements of a beloved family member. They might not have much to do with the planning of the various details, but they should be made to feel included, as much as is appropriate for their age group. When a loved one is cremated, the scattering of their ashes can feel like a conclusion of sorts, and it can be an important part of the grieving process. But should a child be entrusted with the scattering of the ashes?

Suitable for Children

Whether or not it's a good idea for a child to be involved in scattering ashes largely depends on the child. Some children might be too young to grasp the symbolism of the situation, and other children might find the prospect of scattering the cremated remains of a loved one to be too upsetting. It really varies, so if there are some children in the family who you feel should be included in some way, it's up to you and the rest of your family to decide their suitability.

Explain the Process

When you feel that a child should scatter the ashes, you need to carefully explain the process to them. Younger children might be distressed at the thought of literally scattering the cremated remains of a beloved family member, although older children can acknowledge the significance of the process and will want to participate. In any event, you will possibly have several family members who each want to scatter a portion of the ashes.

Scattering Tubes

Sharing the scattering duties allows children to observe how it's done before their turn. It's a good idea to request that your loved one's ashes are put into a scattering tube, which simplifies the process. This is simply a storage tube that can be quickly opened at one end, and its elongated shape reduces the likelihood of anyone making physical contact with the contents of the tube.

Preparing the Tube

The tube itself isn't expensive, and you can even pack it yourself, although this can be upsetting for many people. There's also the unfamiliarity of the process, and you certainly won't want to inadvertently make a mess. Your chosen funeral home can easily pack the scattering tube for you. Then it's up to you to demonstrate the best process for the children to emulate.

Scattering the Ashes

The process isn't all that complicated, and it's simply a matter of gauging wind speed and direction, before opening the tube and holding it at the midsection of your body, allowing for greater control. Then just give the tube a gentle shake to release a portion of its contents, before passing it to the next person. 

It's certainly possible for children to scatter ashes, allowing them to be a part of this important occasion. For more information, reach out to a professional who provides cremation services.

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