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This is an issue that came up with my host family quite often. I have never
been quite clear on which to use. In particular, 子 seems somewhat rude (much
to the same effect as 男 or 女). On the other hand, 子供 "seems" less rude, but
I'm not entirely sure if that's the case. Finally, お子さん seems very polite (for
obvious reasons), but it seems almost too polite--especially to refer to kids,
with whom you would most likely use casual language.

What is the difference between 子, 子供, and お子さん?
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2012-09-14T14:44:36.253
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2012-09-14T15:02:39.257
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question
word-choice politeness
referring to children: 子, 子供, or お子さん?
子ども seems appropriate. If you want to be a tad more polite/considerate use
their name: 真紀子ちゃん/健太郎君 for girls/boys under 10 and りんさん/正吉さん for girls/boys
over 10.

お子さん is used for addressing the parents, not the child directly.

> お子さんは何人いらっしゃるんですか。

子 by itself seems quite direct and is best reserved for parents talking about
their own children.

> この子は本当にお利口だから、助かるのよ。
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2012-09-14T14:57:10.217
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2012-09-14T15:02:39.257
2012-09-14T15:02:39.257
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answer