2 yr old and a Wake

My BILs sister passed away from stage 4 cancer on Monday, St. Patricks Day. The wake is being held in Rego Park tonight from 6-9. She is leaving behind a daughter is HS,

The thing is we live in Western Suffolk, and don't really have anyone to watch DS since all of DH family will be attending. My mom lives OOS, Dad lives in East Rockaway. My brother doesn't get home from the city until 7:30. My Aunt who lives in the same town as us is away in Palm Beach. And my other Aunt could watch DS but she has a 8 month old at home and lives in the next town over. She absolutely woud still watch DS, but I feel like it might just be easier for us to take DS with us.

Would you take your 2 yr old to a family wake?

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

Under the circumstances, yes, I would.

There are usually open rooms on opposite sides of the room where the wake is being held. You can keep your son in the stroller and alternate with your DH or another family member.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

So sorry for your loss

I took my 17 month old to my granddfather's wake last Sept, i didn't want to, but had too. She was the breath of fresh air everyone needed to see and hear. She kept everyone smiling and remembering what life is all about.

My grandmother and family wouldn't have had it any other way. We kept her out of the room though when it was crowded for respect of others.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

Thank you ladies.

I figured I could always sit with him in the car (or another room as was suggested) if he acted up. I also figured one half of his family will be there, DH family is huge! So it's not like he wouldn't be comfortable.

Thank you for your advice.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

I will also add that I don't see anything wrong with children being at wake. Although it's a very sad time, for me, it's important that we teach our children that death is part of life.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

If it wouldn't be traumatic for him, yes I would. My mom had a theory that it was actually good for children to go to a few wakes for people who weren't close to them when they are young, so that when the time comes and it is someone they are close to, they are better prepared for it.

I also agree with PPs that a child at a wake is usually a breath of fresh air. Sometimes people like the distraction of the child and it gives them something to talk about besides the unfortunate circumstances of why they are there.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

Posted by bicosi

I will also add that I don't see anything wrong with children being at wake. Although it's a very sad time, for me, it's important that we teach our children that death is part of life.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

I've brought Marron to 2 wakes this past winter. She was 20 months and 22 months. There was plenty of family around to watch her so I could go up and pay my respects. Also, she played out in the hall and in the back of the room and was just fine. I really think it will be ok.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

I am so sorry for your loss

Unfortunately, I have brought DS to a few wakes and funerals. Not one person has ever thought it was inappropriate or disrespectful. As a PP said, many people thought it was so nice to see a baby there, like a renewal of life.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

i know you dont know me but im in queens.. on the way to rego park... if you dont want to bring him i would be more than happy to help you out.. you can drop him off here.. my boys are also 2.

to you and your family

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

I'm sorry for your loss. As per the original question, I would most certainly bring DS with you. I have had to do it too.

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

Posted by twinboys425

i know you dont know me but im in queens.. on the way to rego park... if you dont want to bring him i would be more than happy to help you out.. you can drop him off here.. my boys are also 2.

to you and your family

Re: 2 yr old and a Wake

Posted by carriegirl

Posted by twinboys425

i know you dont know me but im in queens.. on the way to rego park... if you dont want to bring him i would be more than happy to help you out.. you can drop him off here.. my boys are also 2.

to you and your family

Aww, that's very sweet of you. Thank you!

I spoke with DH and told him some of the LIF girls said to take him. So I think we will.

Thank you though.