Would you go to a students' relative wake?

For those that didnt read my other post, One of my students lost her aunt, who was her guardian up until recently. The wake is being held Tuesday afterschool, a few blocks away from my job.

Now I'm debating going because I'm weird, I don't do funerals/wakes, or at the very least I prefer not too. (I'm kinda traumatized from something that happened in my childhood.) I mean Its not one of those things were its a close family memeber or friend.

So i'm wondering if it would be bad if i didn't go since I'm her teacher. A few people who work at my school are going I think. I told my boss I dunno if I can go but she said you dont have to stay very long at least sign the book and send your condolences.

I'm so torn by this

Any advice, suggestions or encouragement needed.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I've gone to too many wakes (it feels like) for students and for their relatives, and from my own experience, I would say you absolutely should go. You don't have to stay long, but you can't imagine how much it means to the kids to know we care that much about them, especially at a time like this. I know how awful it is to go to these things, but if you do know other teachers are going, maybe you could all go together. That's what my best friend and I always do. Just stay a little while, but I promise she'll appreciate it for a long time. Good luck with whatever you decide. FM me if you want. I have way too much experience with things like these when it comes to my students.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I would go. This girl needs your support. I am the same way about funerals and wakes, but unfortunately it's a part of life, and this little girl would probably be so grateful to have you there.

You don't have to stay long like your boss said. Sign the book, offer your condolences, say a prayer. It will mean a lot to your student.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

i would definitely go. it's your student. all you have to do is say "I'm so sorry", sign the book and leave. i think it will mean a lot to your student.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I have gone mainly because my school encourages it (Catholic school) It is very sad to see a young person like your student upset, however, they will always remember that you cared enough to be with them in a time of need.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

Yes, in a case like that. If it was one of my students parents I would

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I would go. I went to one student's parent's wake and they appreiciate that they have somone outside of their family that they can turn to or vent or just go to. It's definitely hard. You don't have to go up to the casket or stay long. Just go up to the student and see how she is doing.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

My father died when I was in HS and a lot of my teachers went. It really did mean a lot to me. Like a PP said, all you have to do is tell her your sorry, sign the book and leave, you dont have to stay for long.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I prefer not to go to funerals and wakes too. I have a really tough time with them but in this case I think you need to go for that student.

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

based on the story, i think you should go. i bet your support would mean the world to the student!

Re: Would you go to a students' relative wake?

I think i'm going to pop in after work. although most of the teachers are going to the service which is later.

I just always feel awkward at these things.