Writing About the Loss of a Child
There is no easy way to write about the death of a child. Families who use a card like this are in the most painful circumstances, and the words they choose matter deeply to them. This template offers a simple structure and a gentle look, but the most important thing is that the family’s own voice is heard. Take your time, ask for help from someone close to the family if you can, and let the final text be what the parents wish.
Brown, White and a Gold Frame
The card is A6 portrait, 4.13 x 5.83 inches (105 x 148 mm). The top is white and the lower two thirds are dark chocolate brown, fading to a lighter warm grey at the bottom, with faint palm fronds in the corners. Across the top, In Loving Memory of is written in a soft grey script. A large round portrait of a toddler with dark curly hair, in a pale blue shirt, sits in the centre inside a gold ornamental frame of scrolls, leaves and a small drop shaped jewel at the base. The frame overlaps the line between white and brown.
Below it, First Last Name is written in a white script, with a line of placeholder dates (XX XX, 19XX to XX XX, 20XX) in gold. Underneath is a short paragraph of sample text. The fonts are Parisienne and Arimo.
Replace the Sample Biography Before Anything Else
The text in the lower panel is a sample biography written for an adult woman: it says She was born on June 18, 1955 to Gemma and Laiton Lenworth Holgate in Lewisham, London, England, and describes her roots. It does not fit a child at all. Replace the whole paragraph with the family’s own words. Also correct the pronoun and the date format. The placeholder dates also say 19XX, so change both to the real years.
What Families Often Include
- The child’s full name and any nickname the family used.
- Date of birth and date of passing.
- The names of parents and siblings, if they wish.
- One or two things the child loved: a toy, a song, a game.
- A short line of love or a verse chosen by the family.
Some families prefer to say less. A name, two dates and one sentence can be enough.
The Photograph
Choose a picture the family loves, ideally one with a clear, smiling face in good light. Click the round photograph and use Replace Image. Always ask the parents before using a picture. A child’s photograph is deeply personal, and families may not want it shared widely.
Sharing and Privacy
Many families prefer to print this card for the service and for close friends, rather than posting it online. If a digital copy is needed, send it privately. Be mindful of how it will be used, and check with the family before posting on social media.
Printing at A6
A6 is a small card that fits in a pocket or a prayer book. Print on matte card stock of 250 to 300 gsm. The dark brown background needs good ink, so test one copy. Cut cleanly, and consider a rounded corner for a gentle feel. If the card is to be handed out at a service, print a few more than you expect to need.
For other obituary cards, see the father obituary card and the mother obituary card. More are in condolence templates.
