Some states do not allow minors to be listed as the outright beneficiary. I did it anyway, but knew that it could cause the proceeds to go to my estate (and I didn’t want them to have to probate my totally minuscule ‘estate’). Well I showed them and lived until my kids were 18.
When my father died recently, the one financially responsible thing he did was list my mother as beneficiary on his life insurance. The claims were paid directly to her, and God bless Mutual of Omaha, they were the easiest company to work with and she had the first check within a week. If it would have gone to an estate, it would have taken us forever to get it and we had no need to probate an estate as he owned no real estate or titled items (car).
You also may wish to list your son or your parents as ‘Pay on Death’ on your bank accounts. It just makes it easier to get the money out quickly.