Hassan bin Kurayb narrates: A child of theirs died, and the child's parents were deeply grieved. Sayyiduna Hawshab (may Allah be pleased with him), the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), said: "Shall I tell you what I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say? He said it about the death of a child like your son. One of the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a son who had begun to crawl, and he used to come with his father to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Then the child died, and out of grief over his death that man did not come to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for six days. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'I do not see so-and-so.' The people said: 'O Messenger of Allah! His child has died and he is grieving over him.' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to that man: 'O so-and-so! Would you like your child to be with you now as the liveliest of children? Or would you like your son to be with you as the boldest of boys? Would you like your son to be with you, grown into middle age like the best of men of middle age? Or that it be said to you: Enter Paradise as the reward for what was taken from you?'"
Ahmad recorded it. Its chain contains Ibn Lahi'ah, and there is criticism about him.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الجنائز / 3992