When writing an obituary, it's important to refer to someone's child in a respectful and sensitive manner. The proper way to do so depends on the relationship between the deceased individual and their child. Here are some guidelines:
Use the child's given name: If the child has a name, it is appropriate to refer to them by their given name. For example, "John is survived by his son, Michael Smith."
Use "son" or "daughter" without a name: If the child's name is not mentioned or not known, you can refer to them as "son" or "daughter." For example, "Jane is survived by her daughter."
Include the child's spouse or children if relevant: If the deceased's child is married or has children, it is customary to include that information. For example, "John is survived by his son, Michael Smith, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Smith."
Be sensitive and respectful: When writing an obituary, be mindful of the feelings and privacy of the surviving family members. Use language that is compassionate and considerate of their loss.
Consult with the family: If you are not sure how to refer to someone's child in the obituary, consider reaching out to the family or close friends for guidance. They may have specific preferences or requests.
Ultimately, the goal is to pay tribute to the deceased individual and acknowledge their surviving family members in a way that is dignified and compassionate. If you are writing an obituary for someone, make sure to handle the matter with care and respect.