Avoiding Family Conflicts When Arranging Funerals – Funeral Homes Fort Myers, FL
When someone we love passes away, it can be challenging to know how to best honor their memory. For many of us, funeral arrangements are a way to do that. But often, family members can have different ideas about what kind of funeral is appropriate, leading to conflict.
While it’s natural to want to please everyone, it’s important to remember that you are not responsible for making everyone happy. The most important thing is to choose a tribute that feels right for the person you’ve lost. Here are some tips for avoiding family conflicts when making funeral arrangements.
Discuss Before Making Any Decisions – Funeral Home Fort Myers, FL
When families are arranging funerals at a funeral home in Fort Myers, FL, they will be doing so during a time of intense stress caused by shock, grief, and loss. Even the most cooperative families and those without preexisting internal issues may be at odds over how the funeral home should make final arrangements. For families with a more fractured history before the loss of a loved one, the task of making funeral arrangements is a potential or breaking point.
Keep an Open Mind and Be Willing to Compromise – Funeral Arrangements
If the conflicts aren’t managed well, they don’t erupt, and they can lead to long-term feelings of resentment and anger, which can cause estrangement, something the deceased loved one would have never wanted.
One way to avoid family conflicts when arranging funerals is to remember that these arrangements show honor, respect, and love to the deceased family member. It is about them, not about the individual wishes and desires of the remaining family members.
The biggest reason for many of the disagreements people have lack of communication. It happens in everyday life, at work, school, and home. Grieving families making funeral arrangements for a loved one must work hard at communicating with each other. However, not only should the words be said at the right time and in a clear way, but the tone should be respectful and calm. Shouting matches don’t resolve anything, but they can create resentment and hard feelings that may carry on far beyond the funeral.
All family members must be willing to compromise to avoid conflicts while making funeral arrangements. Unless the deceased left specific instructions on what they wanted for their funeral, it’s up to the family to decide how best to memorialize their loved one. People will disagree on things, but it’s essential to understand that the things that may be in dispute are little in the grand scheme of things and not worth disrupting the entire process and possibly fracturing the family.
Take a Step Back and Understand Other’s Perspective – Funeral Service
One family member may want the whole funeral done in one day. Another family member may wish to the visitation and funeral service in the evening and the graveside service the following day. There may be disagreements about casket sprays regarding the design and flower color(s). There might be different ideas about the readings and music selected for the funeral service.
Everybody must be willing to give, and the best way to compromise is to make sure everybody gets something they want, including in the funeral arrangements. It should be, if possible, the thing that is most important to them. This way, every family member gets an equal part in the process.
Another way to avoid family conflicts when making funeral arrangements is to share the responsibilities. In most families, when siblings make arrangements, the oldest usually defaults back to the childhood role of being in charge. It inevitably leads to that sibling being saddled with the majority of the responsibility for making the funeral arrangements. It also excludes the rest of the siblings from having a role. Let go of childhood and let everyone do what they’re best to make the funeral come together and eliminate conflict.
Seek Professional Help – Funeral and Cremation Services
When it comes to funeral arrangements, the last thing you want is conflict among your family members. A reputable funeral home can help you avoid disputes and make the process as smooth as possible.
A funeral home in Fort Myers, FL, understands that losing a loved one is difficult. That’s why our team of experienced professionals will work with you to create a funeral and cremation service that honors your loved one’s memory.
Final Thoughts
Making funeral arrangements is never an easy task, but it can be especially challenging for families already struggling. At Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc, we understand the importance of this process and the stress that comes with it. Our compassionate and experienced staff is here to help guide you through this difficult time. We offer various services to meet your needs and ensure that your loved one’s final arrangements reflect their life and personality. If you’re facing the challenge of making funeral arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (239) 274-0088. We’ll do everything we can to support you during this difficult time.
