[Jims5543]

Tabs is spot on.

I would take my 3.5 year old, the reason? Because at that young age they are more of a distraction and a comfort to the relatives. They love to see the little ones and it oftern helps soften the pain. I can remember being at funerals when I was little and being hugged to death by Aunts, great Aunts grand parents etc..

I come from an Italian family so we may be a bit different, wedding and funerals, with Italians are both excuses to eat a lot of food and drink a lot of booze. They are family renunions and it would be unforgivable for me to not take my children. I am not sure if anyone else does it like Italians do.

I see no need to take them to the front to view. I do not do that anymore myself I really do not like it and find it morbid. I would not want to be layed out like that when I am gone, but to each his own if it helps you with the pain then I guess it works.