Discussing funeral planning with parents or loved one may be one of the most challenging conversations you’ll ever have, but it is also one of the most crucial. It’s a conversation that too few of us have had, but one that can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are honouring your loved one’s wishes in the way they would have wanted. Without having this conversation, family members may be left guessing about their loved one’s preferences, which can lead to unnecessary stress and conflict during an already difficult time.
Having this discussion about funeral planning can also bring peace of mind to both you and your loved one. By discussing and preparing for the future, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to honour your loved one’s wishes and pre-planning can make a significant difference in reducing the emotional burden on your loved ones when the time comes.
Here are some tips for you to start the conversation about funeral planning with loved ones:
Choose the right time and place
It’s important to choose the right time and place to have this conversation. You don’t want to bring it up during a family dinner or other social event. Instead, choose a quiet and private setting where you can have a meaningful conversation without distractions.
Be honest and explain the benefits behind funeral pre-planning
When you start the conversation, be honest and direct about why you want to talk about funeral planning. Explain that you want to make sure their wishes are carried out after they are gone and to ease the burden on families during a difficult time. Pre-planning funeral arrangements can provide peace of mind, and alleviate stress and uncertainty for the family. Explaining practical benefits can help your loved one understand that, although the conversation might be uncomfortable at first, the outcome will be worth it.
Listen to their concerns
Your loved ones may not react well to conversations about death and funerals and become emotional or even deeply sad. They may be hesitant to discuss the topic or have different ideas about what should be done. It’s important to listen to your loved ones’ concerns and fears about funeral planning. Listen to their concerns and try to address them as best you can.
Start with the basics
Start with the basics of funeral planning, such as choosing a funeral home, religious rites, venue of the funeral, and deciding on burial or cremation, duration of the wake, etc. These are important decisions that need to be made and can help ease the burden on loved ones and avoid unnecessary conflicts due to disagreements between family members. By offering reassurances and encouraging them to talk about how they feel, you can keep the dialogue open and eventually circle back to what you wanted to talk about.
Consider working with a professional
If you’re unsure about how to approach funeral planning or if you’re having difficulty communicating with loved ones about the topic, consider working with a professional from a trusted funeral service provider.
Nirvana Singapore is a full-fledged funeral care provider with over a decade of experience in Singapore. Our life consultants can explain all the available options and assist in planning the last journey you envision. We can also guide you in talking about funeral planning with the people you love.
It may be a difficult conversation, but it’s a necessary one
Talking about funeral planning with loved ones can be a difficult conversation, but it’s an important and necessary to have. By starting the conversation early and being open and honest, you and your family will have a peace of mind during a difficult time. Remember, professional help is available to assist you in the process, so do not hesitate to reach out.