Don't hide death from children

A commentary published in Svenska Dagbladet criticizes the extent to which death is being shielded from children, suggesting this avoidance hinders their ability to confront life's difficult questions. The author highlights an incident in Borlänge where parents objected to a confirmation class activity. In this activity, students were asked to "plan their own funeral," which involved discussing funeral rites, music, clothing, and grief. The class also visited a funeral home, where a coffin was brought in during their visit.

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Think of death

One anonymous mother expressed distress, stating, "The lid was closed, but it is still very difficult for a child to handle." The author contrasts this parental reaction with the ancient Latin maxim "Memento mori" ("Remember you must die"), which traditionally encouraged a better life through the contemplation of mortality. The commentary posits that avoiding such topics, even in a religious setting like confirmation, is detrimental.

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plan their own funeral

The piece suggests that the church graveyard's inscription, "Think of death," serves as a reminder to live more fully. By shielding children from these realities, the author argues, parents are preventing them from engaging with fundamental aspects of the human experience and potentially diminishing their capacity to appreciate life.

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The lid was closed, but it is still very difficult for a child to handle