grandchild

Grandchild is a person who is the child of one’s son or daughter. The term is gender-neutral; there are more specific terms for a male or female grandchild: grandson and granddaughter. The plural form is grandchildren.

Etymology and usage: The word grandchild is formed from grand, a prefix indicating generation difference, and child. It is widely used in English to describe the generation between children and their grandparents. In many languages, terms exist that distinguish gender or generation, while others use a single term for all grandchildren.

Relationship and roles: Grandchildren often have close familial ties with their grandparents. The extent and nature of contact vary by family, culture, and geography. Grandparents may provide care, storytelling, and support, and they may be involved in education, cultural transmission, and family rituals.

Demographics and culture: As populations age and family structures shift, the role of grandparents and grandchildren changes. Some families maintain frequent in-person interaction, while others rely on long-distance communication via technology.

Legal and social aspects: Rights and responsibilities concerning grandchildren—such as visitation, guardianship, and inheritance—are determined by law and can differ significantly between jurisdictions. In some societies, grandparents are central to caregiving and succession planning; in others, their role is more optional.