How to Write an Obituary for a Child (Gentle Guide + Example)
Writing an obituary for a child is one of the most difficult tasks a parent, sibling, or family member may ever face. The words never feel like enough, and the emotions that come with this kind of loss can make it hard to know where to begin.
This gentle guide is meant to offer support, help you find the right words, and give you an example to follow at your own pace. There is no “right” way to write about a child’s life—only the way that feels loving and true.
If you would like help creating the obituary, our guided obituary-writing tool can support you step-by-step:
Begin here → https://remembrlink.com
In this guide, you’ll find:
• what to include in a child’s obituary
• a gentle example obituary (for educational purposes)
• compassionate wording suggestions
• a fill-in-the-blank template
• common mistakes to avoid
• frequently asked questions
Take your time. Read this whenever you are ready.
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What to Include in an Obituary for a Child
Every family is different, and every child’s life is unique. You do not need to include every detail—only what feels right.
You may choose to include:
1. Basic Information
• child’s full name
• age
• city and state
• date of passing
• soft, gentle wording
Common choices:
• “passed away peacefully”
• “was surrounded by family”
• “left this world too soon”
Try to avoid clinical or graphic language.
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2. A Short Life Summary
This can be very brief.
You might include:
• birth date (optional)
• family members
• things they loved
• their personality
• moments that brought them joy
Even simple details—favorite color, favorite stuffed animal, a song they loved—can bring warmth.
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3. Personality, Joys & Interests
Focus on who they were:
• kind, curious, silly, gentle
• loved drawing, dancing, dinosaurs, animals
• brought laughter to everyone
• had a bright smile or a big heart
Small details matter and help honor their spirit.
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4. Family Members
Include those who wish to be named:
• parents
• siblings
• grandparents
• extended family
• close family friends (optional)
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5. Service, Celebration of Life, or Memorial
Many families choose:
• a private service
• a celebration of life
• a balloon release
• a candlelight vigil
• no formal service (optional)
There is no wrong choice.
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6. Memorial Preferences (Optional)
Examples:
• favorite children’s charity
• hospital foundation
• local organization
• planting a tree
If donations don’t feel right, it’s okay not to include any.
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Example Obituary for a Child
(For educational and example purposes only — names and details are fictional.)
Ava Rose Miller, age 6, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on May 22, 2018, Ava brought joy, light, and laughter to every day of her life. She loved painting with bright colors, collecting tiny rocks from the backyard, and curling up with her favorite storybooks. Her giggle could fill a room, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her.
Ava is deeply loved and will be forever missed by her parents, Daniel and Emily Miller; her big brother, Noah; her grandparents, Mark and Linda Miller and Joseph and Sarah Hayes; and her extended family, friends, and teachers who cherished her dearly.
A private celebration of Ava’s life will be held with close family and friends. In honor of her bright spirit, the family asks that loved ones wear her favorite color, yellow, and consider donations to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which provided Ava with gentle and compassionate care.
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Why This Example Works
• extremely gentle and sensitive
• focuses on the child’s light, joy, and personality
• avoids all medical or distressing information
• keeps service details private
• uses warm, human language throughout
If you’d like guided help writing your own, you can begin here:
Create an obituary → https://remembrlink.com
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Alternate Wording Options
Soft opening sentences
• “Our beloved son/daughter, [name], went to heaven on…”
• “[Name] left this world wrapped in the love of family…”
• “[Name] blessed our lives for [age] years…”
Gentle closings
• “She will be forever loved and remembered.”
• “His light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.”
• “Her memory will forever be a blessing.”
For private services
The family will hold a private memorial and asks for space and compassion during this difficult time.
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Fill-in-the-Blank Child Obituary Template
[Child’s full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/surrounded by family/etc.] on [date].
[First name] was born on [birth date] and brought immense joy to everyone who knew [him/her/them]. [He/She/They] loved [favorite activities, toys, colors, places] and will always be remembered for [personality traits, little details].
[First name] is loved and cherished by [parents], [siblings], [grandparents], and [any others].
A [private service/celebration of life] will be held [date or “at a later time”]. The family invites those wishing to honor [first name] to [donation preference/optional memorial suggestion].
Begin your obituary here → https://remembrlink.com
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• including medical details
• sharing too much private family information
• adding home addresses
• using overly formal language if it doesn’t match the child
• feeling pressure to write “perfectly”—it’s impossible in grief
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a child’s obituary be?
As long or as short as you need. Some are only a few lines. Some are 300+ words. Both are okay.
Do I have to mention cause of death?
No. Most families choose not to.
What if I’m too overwhelmed to write?
You can use the guided obituary-writing tool at:
https://remembrlink.com
It walks you through everything step-by-step.
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Final Thoughts
Writing an obituary for a child is one of the hardest things anyone can do. There is no perfect sentence or perfect format—only love.
Be gentle with yourself. Take breaks. Ask others to help if needed.
Whenever you're ready, you can begin the process here:
https://remembrlink.com