My Parents Don’t Want to Preplan. How Can I Convince Them?

If there’s a question our team at Krause Funeral Home has heard time and time again over the years from families in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin, it’s this: “My parents are resistant to preplanning their funerals, but I know how much it will help our family. What should I do?”

No doubt about it, this is a tough one! Death is not an easy topic to talk about, and in some families, it’s practically taboo. But the reality is that death is part of life, and no one knows when it will happen. Now is the time to sit down with our professional, compassionate staff with your parents to sort out the details ahead of time.

It may feel uncomfortable, but talking to your parents about preplanning is worth the effort, as it removes a tremendous burden from your family down the road. We’ve put together our top suggestions about what you can say if your mom and dad need some convincing:

“So many families wind up guessing and even arguing about their parents’ final wishes. I don’t want to be in that position with my siblings and aunts and uncles.”

When you preplan, your wishes will be clear for all – right there in black and white. Do you prefer burial or cremation? Do you want a large traditional service or something more contemporary and private? Do you prefer a member of the clergy lead or a certified celebrant? Do you have opinions about music or readings? Any other personal touches? What about at the reception? Completing our basic checklist of end-of-life preferences takes away the guesswork and honors your memory your way.

“There are 100+ decisions to make when planning a funeral. Think of the peace of mind you’ll give us if you figure out these details ahead of time.”

We’ve seen so many families crumble under the stress of searching for a loved one’s essential documents. They feel unnecessary stress trying to guess at what their parents would have wanted. Even if you won’t need this information for many years to come, preplanning ensures you’ll have everything in order when it is needed.

“You’ve told us, ‘When I die, don’t make a fuss and don’t spend a lot of money!’ If you plan now, you won’t have to worry as much about the financial piece in the future.”

When you preplan, you have the option the option of signing a pre-funded funeral contract, which guarantees there will be no hidden or additional costs for the funeral arrangements you choose. By setting aside the money, you’ll have peace of mind that it is there and that it will offset any expenses your family might face. By putting your plans in place, you also remove the very real possibility of your family overspending, which is common among grieving or guilt-stricken family members.

If you still feel stuck, or your mom or dad have questions about the process, we can meet with you at one of our four Milwaukee locations. If you’re ready to get started, you can begin the planning process online from the comfort of home. We are always here for you and your family. Please reach out to us anytime for more information about preplanning.

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