Granny in the Living Room — Too Much For Kids? Episode 666

In this emotionally charged episode, Niall opens the lines after receiving a heartfelt email from a mother facing an incredibly difficult family decision.

Her mother-in-law, who had been living with the family, passed away just two days ago following a long illness in hospital. Now, her husband wants to bring his mother home and hold a traditional open-coffin wake in the house, allowing neighbours and friends to call and pay their respects.

But the emailer is deeply worried about their two young children, both under the age of ten. She feels that having an open coffin in the family home could be overwhelming and potentially traumatic for them — especially given how close they were to their grandmother. In her words, “No child should have to see someone they lived with in that way.”

Her husband sees it very differently. He believes that bringing his mother home is an important part of saying goodbye — not just for him, but for the whole family, including the children. He feels it could help them understand death, grieve properly, and be part of a significant family moment.

So tonight, Niall asks:

Who is being unreasonable — the husband or the wife?
Should young children be shielded from death, or gently included in the rituals of goodbye?
Is an open coffin at home a healthy way to process grief — or too much for little minds?

It’s a sensitive subject that touches on parenting, culture, grief, and what it really means to protect our children.

Join the conversation as callers share their experiences, opinions, and advice.