As a child, I was always taken to family wakes, rosaries, and funerals (as were all of the children in our extended family). I think this familiarity with the process made it easier for me when my father died suddenly when I was 13.
My husband and I bring our dc to family wakes, rosaries, and funerals as well. When my mother (with whom my dc were very close) passed away (two years ago this June), I think being familiar with the rituals made the experience somewhat easier for them.
We're Irish Catholic and sharing these times is part of our family culture. We always finish up with an Irish wake. It's cathartic for us.