How to Write a Eulogy for Your Grandchild - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Saying goodbye to a grandchild is one of the most painful things a family can go through. Whether you are speaking at a funeral, a memorial, a graveside gathering, or a quiet family sharing, this guide gives you clear steps, comforting language, and real examples you can use or adapt. We explain terms you might not know and offer templates for short and longer tributes. Write from the heart and use these prompts to shape what you want to say.

Who this guide is for

This article is for grandparents who have been asked to speak, or who want to offer a written tribute for a service. You might be the person who naturally tells family stories, or you may feel totally lost about what to say. Maybe the child was very young, or maybe they were a teen. Maybe they were stillborn or the loss was sudden. This guide includes examples for many situations and shows how to be honest while keeping the focus on love and memory.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a short speech or written tribute that honors the life of someone who has died. It often appears during a funeral or memorial service. A eulogy is not the same as an obituary. An obituary is a written notice with facts like dates, survivors, and service details. A eulogy is personal. It shares what the person meant to you and to others.

Terms and acronyms you might see

• Obituary A written notice that announces a death and gives practical details about the service and survivors.
• Order of service The schedule for a funeral or memorial that lists readings, music, and speakers. Think of it as the event program.
• Graveside service A short ceremony held at the burial site.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on remembering the person with stories and photos.
• SIDS Stands for sudden infant death syndrome. It is a medical term used when an infant dies unexpectedly for no clear cause after investigation.
• NICU Stands for neonatal intensive care unit. It is a hospital unit where very sick newborns receive intensive medical care.
• Stillbirth The birth of a baby who has died in the womb after a certain point in pregnancy. Laws and definitions vary by place but the term is commonly used by parents and clinicians.
• Palliative care Medical care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for people with serious illness. It can include support for families.

How long should a eulogy for a grandchild be

Short and honest usually works best. Aim for two to seven minutes. That is about 250 to 800 spoken words. If you are nervous about speaking or the service has many presenters, keep your tribute under three minutes. If you want to share more memories include a printed version or a recorded reading for family members who cannot be there.

Before you start writing

Give yourself permission to grieve while you work. Preparing a eulogy is emotional and practical at the same time. Use this checklist.

• Ask the family or officiant how long you are expected to speak and where you will fit in the order of service.
• Decide the tone. Do you want to be simple and tender, hopeful, or gently humorous? Check with parents or close family so your tone fits their wishes.
• Collect memories. Ask the child s parents, siblings, and friends for a short memory each. Even one sentence can become a powerful detail.
• Choose two or three focus points. Pick a couple of small things you want people to remember about the child.
• Think about the audience. Include language that helps other grieving grandparents and the child s parents feel seen.

Choosing the right tone

When you are speaking about a grandchild the tone can be tender, fiercely loving, quietly reflective, or lightly funny depending on the personality of the child and the family s wishes. For very young children and for pregnancy loss many families prefer soft, simple language. For older children you can include the little quirks that made them who they were. If you are unsure, ask a parent what feels right.

Structure that works

Use a simple structure so your words land clearly.

• Opening Say who you are and your relationship to the child. Offer one short sentence about what the gathering is for.
• Life sketch Give a few gentle facts about the child s life or personality. With very young children this can be a short, loving overview.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two small stories that show who the child was. Focus on sensory detail and a short payoff line that explains why the memory matters.
• What they taught us Say what people learned from them or what the family will carry forward. This can be about love, courage, joy, or small everyday magic.
• Closing Offer a goodbye line, a short poem excerpt, a request to light a candle, or an invitation for others to share memories.

Writing the opening

Keep the opening short. Start by saying your name and your role. Then say a sentence that sets the tone. Practice it until it feels steady.

Opening examples

• Hello. I am Joan. I am Sam s grandma. We are here to remember Sam s bright laugh and the way he taught us to notice tiny things.
• Hi everyone. I am Marcus. I was proud to be Lia s grandfather. Today we celebrate the light she brought into our lives.
• My name is Diane. I am Ava s grandmother. I want to say a brief thank you for letting me share what she meant to me.

How to write a life sketch for a grandchild

A life sketch is not a full biography. With children it can be small details that tell a bigger truth. Use plain, loving language.

Life sketch templates

• [Child s name] was born on [date] and spent most of their short life surrounded by family. They loved [small thing] and had a knack for [habit].
• [Child s name] was a fierce little [age] who could turn any houseplant into a jungle or any quiet afternoon into a dance party. They made us laugh daily.

Anecdotes that matter

Stories are what people remember. Choose one or two small memories that show personality. Keep them sensory and short.

• When Luca was two he insisted on putting on his rain boots even when it was sunny. He would stomp through puddles that were not there yet and declare the day perfect.
• Ella loved to hide notes in pockets so her family would find surprise messages all week. The notes were always short and always said things like I like you lots.
• When Mia was in the NICU she would grip a finger with more strength than you would expect. Those tiny fingers taught us patience and fierce hope.

Examples by situation

Grandchild who died as an infant

When loss comes so early words can feel inadequate. Keep the tribute simple, honest, and full of love. Mention names, small rituals, and the love surrounding the child.

Example

Hello. I am Helen. I am Tom and Nora s mother and Oliver s grandmother. Oliver arrived in March and he surprised all of us with a tiny fist that loved to grip our fingers. He smelled like baby lotion and hope. In the short time he was with us he taught a room full of family how to be gentle and how to hold one another. We will carry his name and his small handprints in our hearts. Thank you for being here for Tom and Nora. Please join us in lighting a candle for Oliver.

Grandchild who was a toddler or young child

Use playful memories and gentle humor if appropriate. Parents usually appreciate silly stories that show the child s energy.

Example

Hi. I am Miguel. I am Rosa s father and Emilio s grandfather. Emilio loved trains, loud shoes, and singing off key at every breakfast. He had a habit of putting his sock on his head when he was being very serious. That silly hat told you instantly when he was concentrating. He taught us to find joy in the small things and to dance whenever a song started. We will miss his tiny horned laughter and the way he announced his love with two claps and a big grin.

Grandchild who was a teen or older child

With older children you can share real stories about personality, friendships, talents, and plans. Keep the language loving and avoid making the tribute an obituary list.

Example

My name is Pam. I am Luke s grandmother. Luke had the best sarcasm of any teen I knew and a secret talent for making perfect pancakes. He loved skate parks, late night comic books, and he was the first to show kindness to the new kid at school. When he laughed he threw his head back like a true believer in jokes. He was working on a scholarship essay about wanting to study design and help people make things that last. We will remember his stubborn kindness and his messy notebooks full of drawings. Thank you for loving him with us.

Grandchild who was stillborn or pregnancy loss

When families have a baby who did not survive pregnancy grief is deep and complex. A eulogy can name the child and honor their place in the family. Use language the parents prefer such as naming the baby or using a nickname. Mention rituals like planting a tree, keeping photos, or having a memory box.

Example

Hello. I am Ruth. I am Maya s mother and little Rowan s grandmother. Rowan was with us in hope and heart even before we met them. We held a tiny blanket and we will keep Rowan s name on our lips. Maya and Jonah asked us to plant a tree in memory of Rowan and we will gather each year to sit under the new branches. Loss like this asks for patience, and we will tend Rowan s memory together.

Fill in the blank templates you can use

Use these to get started. Replace bracketed text and edit to make it yours.

Template A short and tender

My name is [Your Name]. I am [child s name] grandmother. [Child s name] loved [one small thing]. One memory I will keep forever is [short story]. They taught us [simple lesson]. Thank you for being here with us as we remember them.

Template B gentle and specific

Hello. I am [Your Name]. I am proud to be [child s name] grandparent. They arrived on [date or season] and they made us all better at noticing small joys like [example]. My favorite moment was [short memory]. We will carry their name by [a family plan or ritual].

Template C for older children with more to say

Hi. I am [Your Name]. I was lucky to know [child s name] as a grandson granddaughter. He she had a way of [personality trait], and he she taught everyone around them to [lesson]. If you want to remember one thing about [name] remember [core memory or phrase]. Thank you for holding the family today.

Practical tips for delivery

• Print your speech in large font. Paper is easier to manage when you are emotional.
• Use index cards with one or two lines per card if you prefer not to read a full page.
• Mark pauses where you want to breathe, where the audience may respond, or where you might need a moment. Pauses give you time and make the speech more powerful.
• Practice out loud once or twice. Reading through helps your voice know the flow and calms you near the microphone.
• Bring tissues and a bottle of water. Small practical items can help steady you.
• Ask the officiant or a family member to have a backup person ready to finish a line if you cannot continue. That permission alone can make speaking easier.

When you think you will cry while reading

If tears come, that is expected and okay. Pause, breathe, look at your notes, and continue when you are ready. Slowing your speech down is often more moving than trying to push through at a normal speed. The audience will wait and they want to support you.

Including poems, readings, and music

Short excerpts often work best. If you use a poem, choose two to four lines that capture the feeling instead of reading a very long piece. Music can help bookend your words. Check with the family about religious content and with the venue about audio playback.

Who to tell and logistics

• Tell the funeral director or officiant if you need a microphone or if you plan to hand out printed copies.
• Confirm where you will stand and how long you may speak so the service stays on schedule.
• Give a copy of your speech to the person running the order of service if they want to include it in the program or memory book.

After the eulogy

People will ask for a copy. Offer to email it or to include it in a memory book. Some families appreciate an audio recording for relatives who could not attend. Always check with the parents about sharing publicly online before posting any recording.

Checklist before you step up to speak

• Confirm your time limit.
• Print a backup copy of your remarks.
• Practice out loud at least once.
• Mark pauses and emotional beats.
• Bring tissues and a glass of water if allowed.
• Let a family member know you might need a moment and arrange a sign if you want someone to finish for you.

Glossary of useful terms

• Eulogy A speech given to honor someone who has died.
• Obituary A written notice with service details and basic life facts.
• Order of service The event schedule listing readings, music, and speakers.
• SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome, an unexpected infant death that is investigated.
• NICU Neonatal intensive care unit where newborns receive specialized care.
• Stillbirth The loss of a baby during pregnancy near or at full term. Families and cultures use different terminology, so use the words the parents prefer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am overwhelmed

Begin with your name and your relationship to the child. A one line opening like Hello I am [Name] and I am [child s name] grandparent gives the audience context and buys you a breath to settle. Then say a short true sentence about the child. Practicing that opening once or twice helps steady your voice.

What if the parents do not want me to speak

Respect their wishes. If they prefer a private tribute you can offer to write a letter, create a memory card for family members, or read your words at a small family gathering later. The parents decision is primary in these situations.

Can I include a religious reading if the family is not religious

Only if the parents want it. If religion was not central, choose secular language that honors the child s life and the family s feelings. You can include a short poem or song lyric that feels right to the family instead of religious text.

How do I mention a complicated family situation

Keep it respectful. You can acknowledge complexity by focusing on the child and what they meant to you. Avoid airing family disputes at the service. If you need to express complicated emotions choose private conversations or a written note to the parents instead.

Should I give a copy of my eulogy to the funeral home

Yes. Providing a copy helps the officiant and the person running the service, and it makes it easier to include the text in a printed program or memory book if the family wants that.