dash2 is definitly correct on exec(). If you call exec(), then no child process is created (see this for more info). If you are using fork() and then exec() immidiatle, then system() may be your friend.

If you are using fork() without exec, then the fork funtion returns the PID of the child and kill($pid) should work when the time comes.
Also, just a note, diffrent types of machines format ps in slightly diffrent ways, so if you stick with ps, make sure you test on the same type of machine as the production environment.

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OH, a sarcasm detector, that’s really useful

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