Discussing Death with a Child
 

Should children attend funerals?

Yes. Attending the funeral allows the child to be a part of the family at a time when they need love and attention the most. If the child is leery of the funeral, perhaps you can arrange a private moment before or after the service for the child to say goodbye. The important thing is that the child is with friends and family and not isolated from the situation.

How can I help a grieving child?

Here are five simple ways to help a grieving child:

	there for the child. Listen when they need to talk, and hug them when they need comfort.
	Share fond memories about the loved one with the child, and encourage them to share their own memories.
	Encourage the child to draw a picture or write a letter to their loved one. These items could be placed in the casket or displayed during the cremation.
	Frame a picture of the loved one for the child or give the child another memento to remember their loved one by. (i.e. coins that were in their pocket, a favorite pin, etc.)
	Involve the child in the funeral. Let them read a poem or letter they have written, sing or play a song during the service, or even just attend the funeral with family and friends.

How can we protect children from the loss?

It is impossible to protect children from the pain of losing someone they loved. Trying to hide the death from them will only delay their inevitable realization that the person is no longer a part of the child’s life. It is better to include children in the mourning experience and teach them a healthy way to deal with their feelings.

What is the purpose of a funeral?

Funerals fill an important role for those mourning the loss of a loved one. By providing surviving family members and friends a caring, supportive environment in which to share thoughts and feelings about the death, funerals are the first step in the healing process.

The ritual of attending a funeral service provides many benefits including:

It is possible to have a full funeral service even for those choosing cremation. The importance of the ritual is in providing a social gathering to help the bereaved begin the healing process

	Providing a social support system for the bereaved.
	Helping the bereaved understand death is final and that death is part of life.
	Integrating the bereaved back into the community.
	Easing the transition to a new life after the death of a loved one.
	Providing a safe haven for embracing and expressing pain.
	Reaffirming one's relationship with the person who died.
	Providing a time to say good-bye.

I've never arranged a funeral before. What do I need to know?

At some time in our lives, most of us will make or assist in making funeral arrangements. This will not be an easy time, but at Risko Ferguson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is, We have systems in place to handle all Funeral Arrangements and other associated concerns pertaining to funerals. Here are some tips for smart planning.

	Be an informed consumer. Don't be reluctant to ask questions.
	The funeral directors at Risko Ferguson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services offers a variety of options to meet your financial needs and wishes. Families should discuss all options with our funeral directors when making arrangements.
	When selecting a funeral director, choose one who is licensed and has a good reputation in the community. Give thought to this decision as you would when choosing a doctor, attorney or other professional.
	Be prepared! Avoid the burden of making decision while under emotional stress by organizing details with our funeral directors ahead of time. Remember ... preplanning doesn't necessarily mean prepaying.
	Plan a personalized ceremony or service to help you begin the healing process. Getting through grief is never easy but having a meaningful funeral will help.
	Contact one of our licensed funeral directors at Risko Ferguson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is for more information on making meaningful arrangements.

Is it possible to plan a funeral in advance?

We recommend that everyone preplan his or her own funeral. Doing so can offer emotional and financial security for both you and your family. By preplanning a funeral you will get the kind of service you want and your family will be unburdened from making decisions at a stressful time. Preplanning doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying. If you are considering preplanning your funeral, you may visit our news page to find out when our next seminar will be held or contact us if you would like us to hold a seminar at your desired location.

Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?

Yes. Cremation opens the doors to a number of different funeral options. From traditional services to contemporary celebrations, cremation gives you the flexibility to personalize the services for yourself or a loved one. To learn more about cremation, please visit the cremation section our website and or contact us at 734-728-1900 Westland or 313-841-8284 Detroit for more information.

NFDA Code of Professional Conduct
In accordance with the NFDA Code of Professional Conduct, we acknowledge and adhere to the obligations of the funeral profession in five (5) key areas, which follow an Ethical Principle that sets forth the goals and ideals of the profession.

These obligations are:

To the Family

Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to serve each family in a professional and caring manner, being respectful of their wishes and confidences, being honest and fair in all dealings with them and being considerate of those of lesser means.

For the Care of the Decedent
Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to care for each deceased person with the highest respect and dignity, and to transport, prepare and shelter the remains in a professional, caring and conscientious manner.

To the Public

Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to offer their services and to operate their businesses in accordance with the highest principles of honesty, fair dealing and professionalism.

To the Government Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to maintain strict compliance with the letter and spirit of all governmental laws and regulations that impact the funeral consumer, the funeral profession, and the public health.

To NFDA

Ethical Principle: Members have an ethical obligation to promote, participate and support the National Funeral Directors Association in its mission to help all members enhance the quality of funeral service to families.

Department of Veteran's Affairs
www.cem.va.gov

Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov