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A2 noun 10 min read

petits-enfants

Examples petits-enfants in 30 Seconds
Explanation petits-enfants in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family members. 'Petits-enfants' is an important word because it helps you describe a complete family tree. You should focus on the fact that it means 'grandchildren'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar, but you should know that it is a plural word. You might use it in simple sentences like 'J'ai deux petits-enfants' (I have two grandchildren). It's helpful to remember that it looks like 'small children' (petits enfants), but the hyphen (-) makes it mean grandchildren. You will mostly hear this word when people are introducing their family or showing photos. It is a 'building block' word for talking about your personal life and those close to you. Try to practice saying it with the liaison: 'petit-zen-fant'. This will help you sound more natural from the beginning. Even if you don't have grandchildren yourself, knowing this word is essential for understanding when others talk about their families, which is a very common topic in beginner French conversations.
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At the A2 level, you are expected to provide more detail about your family and daily life. 'Petits-enfants' becomes a key term for describing social arrangements and routines. You should be able to use it with possessive adjectives (mes, ses, leurs) and talk about activities you do with them. For example, 'Je garde mes petits-enfants le mercredi' (I look after my grandchildren on Wednesdays). You should also start to notice the difference between 'petits-enfants' (general/mixed), 'petits-fils' (grandsons), and 'petites-filles' (granddaughters). At this level, you should be careful with the spelling, especially the hyphen and the 's' at the end of both 'petits' and 'enfants'. You might also encounter the word in simple reading texts about family holidays or traditions. Understanding this word helps you navigate common social situations, such as being invited to a family dinner or talking to a neighbor about their family. It is a step toward being able to describe intergenerational relationships more clearly and accurately.
At the B1 level, you can handle more complex discussions about family dynamics and social issues. You might use 'petits-enfants' to discuss the role of grandparents in modern society or the transmission of values between generations. You should be able to use the word in different grammatical roles—as a subject, direct object, or following various prepositions. For example, 'L'influence des grands-parents sur leurs petits-enfants est souvent sous-estimée' (The influence of grandparents on their grandchildren is often underestimated). You will also be more comfortable using the word in the context of past and future tenses, such as describing what you used to do with your grandchildren or what you plan to do for them. At this stage, you should also be aware of the cultural context in France, such as the importance of 'vacances chez les grands-parents'. You can participate in conversations about education, inheritance, and family history where 'petits-enfants' is a central term. Your vocabulary should also expand to include related terms like 'arrière-petits-enfants' (great-grandchildren).
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At the B2 level, you are moving toward fluency and can use 'petits-enfants' in more abstract and formal contexts. You might encounter the term in sociological articles, legal texts, or literature. You should be able to discuss the nuances of the word, such as the legal rights of grandparents to maintain a relationship with their 'petits-enfants' even after a parental divorce. You will also use the word in more sophisticated sentence structures, including relative clauses and the subjunctive mood. For example, 'Il est essentiel que les petits-enfants connaissent l'histoire de leur famille' (It is essential that grandchildren know their family history). You should also be aware of the stylistic differences between 'petits-enfants' and more formal terms like 'descendants'. At this level, you can express complex opinions about the changing nature of the family unit in the Francophone world and how the relationship between grandparents and 'petits-enfants' is evolving with technology and geographic mobility. Your understanding of the word should be deep enough to catch subtle meanings in films and literature.
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At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word 'petits-enfants' and its various implications. You can use it in highly formal academic or professional settings, such as a legal brief regarding 'succession' (inheritance) or a sociological study on 'le vieillissement de la population' (the aging of the population). You understand the historical evolution of the term and its place within the French linguistic system of kinship. You can appreciate and use the word in literary analysis, discussing how the presence of 'petits-enfants' in a novel might symbolize hope, continuity, or the burden of legacy. You are also sensitive to the emotional connotations of the word and can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning in creative writing or persuasive speech. Your pronunciation and liaison are perfect, and you can switch between formal and informal registers with ease. You might also explore the etymological roots of the word and how it compares to similar structures in other Romance languages, providing a comprehensive view of its linguistic and cultural weight.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'petits-enfants' is complete. You can use the word with the nuance and precision of a native speaker, including its use in rare idioms, legal jargon, and high literature. You can discuss the word's role in the 'Code Civil' (French Civil Code) and how it defines the rights and duties of different generations. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the concept of 'petits-enfants' as a reflection of human mortality and the desire for transcendence. You are capable of identifying and using the word in all its morphological variations and stylistic contexts. Whether you are translating a complex text, delivering a lecture on French social history, or writing a poem, 'petits-enfants' is a tool you use with absolute confidence. You understand the word not just as a label for a family member, but as a symbol of the entire structure of French society and its values regarding lineage, care, and the passage of time. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.
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Examples

petits-enfants in 30 Seconds

  • Petits-enfants means 'grandchildren' in French and is a compound noun formed from 'petits' and 'enfants', always requiring a hyphen for this specific meaning.
  • It is a masculine plural noun, used as a general term for a group of grandsons, or a mixed group of grandsons and granddaughters.
  • Grammatically, both parts of the word must be pluralized (adding an 's' to both), and it usually requires an article or possessive adjective.
  • Culturally, the term is central to French family life, often associated with intergenerational bonding, holiday visits, and the transmission of family heritage.

The term petits-enfants is a compound noun in French that translates directly to 'grandchildren' in English. It is the collective term used to describe the children of one's own children, regardless of whether those children are sons or daughters. In French culture, the relationship between grandparents and their petits-enfants is often seen as a cornerstone of the family unit, characterized by a mix of indulgence, transmission of heritage, and emotional support. The word itself is formed by the adjective 'petits' (small/little) and the noun 'enfants' (children). Unlike some other languages that might have specific gender-neutral terms, French uses the masculine plural 'petits-enfants' as the default for a mixed group or when the gender is unspecified, following the standard grammatical rules of the language. When you use this word, you are situating yourself or someone else within a three-generation lineage. It is used in everyday conversation, legal documents regarding inheritance, and social discussions about family dynamics. For instance, a proud grandfather might show photos of his petits-enfants to his friends at a café, or a grandmother might discuss the school progress of her petits-enfants during a family dinner. The term evokes a sense of continuity and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. In modern France, where families are often geographically dispersed, the concept of the petits-enfants visiting during the 'vacances scolaires' (school holidays) is a very common cultural trope, often associated with trips to the countryside or the seaside to stay with 'papy' and 'mamie'.

Biological Connection
Refers to the direct descendants two generations down from the subject.
Social Context
Commonly used in discussions about family gatherings, inheritance, and childcare responsibilities.
Grammatical Structure
A compound noun that requires both parts to be pluralized (petits + enfants).

Mes petits-enfants viennent me voir tous les étés en Bretagne.

Elle adore gâter ses petits-enfants avec des jouets et des bonbons.

Combien de petits-enfants avez-vous ?

Les petits-enfants de Marie sont très polis et bien élevés.

Il a écrit un livre pour raconter l'histoire de sa famille à ses petits-enfants.

Furthermore, the word reflects the linguistic tendency in French to build familial terms by adding prefixes to base words (like 'grand-père' or 'arrière-petit-fils'). Understanding 'petits-enfants' is essential for anyone reaching the A2 level because it allows for richer descriptions of family trees and personal relationships. It is a word that carries warmth and a sense of belonging, often appearing in contexts of joy, nostalgia, and generational wisdom. Whether you are talking about the legal rights of grandparents to see their petits-enfants or simply sharing a story about a weekend visit, this term is indispensable for navigating French social life and family discussions.

Using petits-enfants correctly requires attention to both its grammatical structure and the context of the sentence. As a compound noun, it follows specific rules for pluralization and agreement. When you are the subject or the object of a sentence involving grandchildren, the word usually requires a possessive adjective (mes, tes, ses, nos, vos, leurs) or a definite article (les). For example, 'Je m'occupe de mes petits-enfants' (I am looking after my grandchildren). Notice how the possessive adjective 'mes' agrees with the plural nature of the word. Because it is a plural noun, the verb that follows it must also be in the plural form if petits-enfants is the subject: 'Mes petits-enfants habitent loin' (My grandchildren live far away). The word is frequently used with verbs of emotion or action related to caretaking, such as 'aimer', 'chérir', 'garder', 'élever', or 'visiter'. In French, it is also common to see it used with the preposition 'chez' when referring to their home: 'Je vais chez mes petits-enfants'.

Possessive Usage
Always use plural possessive adjectives: mes petits-enfants, ses petits-enfants, leurs petits-enfants.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When acting as the subject, the verb must be in the third-person plural (ils/elles form).
Prepositional Phrases
Commonly follows 'avec', 'pour', 'chez', or 'de' depending on the relationship described.

Elle prépare un gâteau pour ses petits-enfants qui arrivent ce soir.

Depuis qu'il est à la retraite, il passe tout son temps avec ses petits-enfants.

Le bonheur des petits-enfants est la priorité de leurs grands-parents.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the gender of the grandchildren. If you are specifically talking about granddaughters, you should use 'petites-filles' (granddaughters). If you are talking specifically about grandsons, you should use 'petits-fils' (grandsons). However, if you are talking about a mixed group, 'petits-enfants' is the correct and only term to use. For example: 'J'ai deux petits-fils et une petite-fille, donc j'ai trois petits-enfants.' This distinction is vital for accuracy. In more complex sentences, you might use the word in the context of inheritance: 'Il a légué sa maison à ses petits-enfants.' Or in education: 'L'éducation des petits-enfants a beaucoup changé depuis l'époque de leurs grands-parents.' By mastering these patterns, you can effectively communicate about family life in any Francophone environment.

The word petits-enfants is ubiquitous in French daily life. You will hear it most frequently in domestic settings, but it also appears in media, literature, and legal contexts. In a typical French household, you might hear a grandmother on the phone saying, 'Je ne peux pas sortir samedi, je garde mes petits-enfants.' This highlights the common practice of grandparents providing childcare. In the news, you might hear reports about the 'pouvoir d'achat' (purchasing power) of retirees and how they spend their money on their petits-enfants. On television, particularly in 'téléfilms' or family dramas, the arrival of the petits-enfants often signals a plot point involving family secrets or holiday celebrations. In literature, from the classics of Balzac to modern novels, the relationship between characters and their petits-enfants is explored to show themes of legacy and aging. Even in the workplace, colleagues might share stories about their petits-enfants during coffee breaks, showing photos on their smartphones. It is a word that transcends social classes and is used with equal frequency in the 'banlieues' and the 'beaux quartiers'.

Family Gatherings
Heard during Sunday lunches or 'repas de famille' where multiple generations meet.
Public Spaces
Heard in parks, toy stores, and 'parcs d'attractions' where grandparents take their grandchildren.
Media and News
Used in sociological discussions about the 'génération sandwich' or demographic trends.

À Noël, la maison est pleine de rires grâce aux petits-enfants.

Les petits-enfants d'aujourd'hui sont très à l'aise avec la technologie.

If you visit a French market, you might overhear an elderly person proudly telling the 'marchand de légumes' about the recent successes of their petits-enfants. In administrative settings, such as the 'CAF' (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) or during 'succession' (inheritance) meetings with a 'notaire', the term is used in its legal capacity to define heirs. The word is deeply embedded in the social fabric of France, representing the link between the past and the future. Whether it's in a pop song about family roots or a serious documentary about the challenges of the elderly, petits-enfants is a term that resonates with emotional weight and cultural significance. Listening for this word in French films or podcasts will help you understand the nuances of family-oriented dialogue and the importance placed on intergenerational bonds in French-speaking societies.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using petits-enfants is forgetting the hyphen. In French, the hyphen is crucial for compound nouns; without it, 'petits enfants' simply means 'small children', which could refer to any group of young kids, not necessarily one's own grandchildren. Another common error is failing to pluralize both parts of the word. Some learners might write 'petit-enfants' or 'petits-enfant', but both 'petits' and 'enfants' must take an 's' to be grammatically correct in the plural. Additionally, there is often confusion regarding gender. Since 'enfant' is a masculine noun in this context, the adjective 'petit' must be masculine plural ('petits'). Learners sometimes try to use 'petites-enfants' if they are thinking of granddaughters, but 'petites-filles' is the correct term for granddaughters specifically. If the group is mixed, 'petits-enfants' remains the standard.

The Missing Hyphen
Mistake: 'Mes petits enfants' (means small children). Correct: 'Mes petits-enfants' (means grandchildren).
Incomplete Pluralization
Mistake: 'Les petit-enfants'. Correct: 'Les petits-enfants'. Both parts need the 's'.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: 'Mes petites-enfants' for granddaughters. Correct: 'Mes petites-filles'.

Faux: J'ai trois petit-enfants. Correct: J'ai trois petits-enfants.

Faux: Elle regarde les petits enfants au parc. (Unless she means any small kids).

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'petits-enfants' with 'arrière-petits-enfants' (great-grandchildren). While the structure is similar, the 'arrière-' prefix adds an entire generation. Another subtle mistake involves the use of articles. In English, we might say 'I have grandchildren', but in French, you almost always need an article or a number: 'J'ai des petits-enfants' or 'J'ai trois petits-enfants'. Simply saying 'J'ai petits-enfants' is incorrect. Lastly, be careful with pronunciation. The 's' at the end of 'petits' is usually silent unless followed by a vowel, but in 'petits-enfants', the 's' links with 'enfants' to create a /z/ sound (liaison). Failing to make this liaison can make your French sound disjointed. Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy when discussing family matters in French.

While petits-enfants is the standard term for grandchildren, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the specific context or the gender of the children. If you want to be more specific about the gender, you would use 'petits-fils' for grandsons or 'petites-filles' for granddaughters. In a more formal or legal context, you might encounter the word 'descendants', which includes grandchildren but also encompasses children, great-grandchildren, and so on. Another related term is 'progéniture', though this is more clinical and translates to 'offspring'. In very informal or affectionate contexts, grandparents might refer to their petits-enfants as 'mes amours', 'mes chéris', or even 'les petits' if the context is clear. Understanding these variations allows you to tailor your language to the situation and the person you are speaking with.

petits-fils vs. petits-enfants
'Petits-fils' refers exclusively to male grandchildren, while 'petits-enfants' is the general or mixed-gender term.
petites-filles vs. petits-enfants
'Petites-filles' refers exclusively to female grandchildren. Use 'petits-enfants' if there is at least one boy in the group.
arrière-petits-enfants
Refers to the next generation down (great-grandchildren).

Mes petits-fils adorent jouer au football le dimanche.

Elle a trois petites-filles qui sont toutes à l'université.

It's also worth noting the terms for the grandparents themselves: 'grands-parents'. The symmetry in French (grand-père/petit-fils, grand-mère/petite-fille) makes the family tree easy to navigate once you learn the basic components. In some regional dialects or older French, you might occasionally hear 'petits-petits', but this is very rare today. In modern slang, some young people might refer to their grandparents' house as 'chez les vieux', but the grandchildren themselves are almost always 'les petits-enfants'. When writing a formal letter, such as a birth announcement or an obituary, 'petits-enfants' is the only appropriate term. By comparing 'petits-enfants' with its synonyms and gender-specific counterparts, you gain a deeper understanding of how French organizes family relationships and the importance of precision in gendered language.

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Examples by Level

1

J'ai trois petits-enfants.

I have three grandchildren.

Uses the plural form with the number 'trois'.

2

Où sont tes petits-enfants ?

Where are your grandchildren?

Uses the possessive adjective 'tes' (informal plural).

3

Ses petits-enfants sont petits.

His/her grandchildren are small.

Note the difference between 'petits-enfants' (noun) and 'petits' (adjective).

4

Les petits-enfants aiment le chocolat.

The grandchildren like chocolate.

Uses the definite article 'les'.

5

Voici mes petits-enfants.

Here are my grandchildren.

Uses 'voici' to introduce the group.

6

Elle a un petit-enfant.

She has one grandchild.

Singular form: 'un petit-enfant'.

7

Les petits-enfants jouent au parc.

The grandchildren are playing at the park.

Plural verb 'jouent' agrees with the subject.

8

Mes petits-enfants s'appellent Léo et Mia.

My grandchildren's names are Léo and Mia.

Uses the reflexive verb 's'appeler' in the plural.

1

Je rends visite à mes petits-enfants ce week-end.

I am visiting my grandchildren this weekend.

Uses the phrase 'rendre visite à'.

2

Elle achète des cadeaux pour ses petits-enfants.

She is buying gifts for her grandchildren.

Uses the preposition 'pour' to show purpose.

3

Mes petits-enfants habitent à Lyon.

My grandchildren live in Lyon.

Third-person plural verb agreement.

4

Nous gardons nos petits-enfants tous les mercredis.

We look after our grandchildren every Wednesday.

Uses the verb 'garder' meaning to look after/babysit.

5

Est-ce que vos petits-enfants vont à l'école ?

Do your grandchildren go to school?

Question form using 'est-ce que'.

6

Il est fier de ses petits-enfants.

He is proud of his grandchildren.

Uses the adjective 'fier' with the preposition 'de'.

7

Leurs petits-enfants sont très polis.

Their grandchildren are very polite.

Uses the possessive adjective 'leurs'.

8

J'écris une lettre à mes petits-enfants.

I am writing a letter to my grandchildren.

Uses the indirect object 'à mes petits-enfants'.

1

Il est important de passer du temps avec ses petits-enfants.

It is important to spend time with one's grandchildren.

Impersonal construction 'Il est important de'.

2

Mes petits-enfants ont beaucoup grandi depuis l'année dernière.

My grandchildren have grown a lot since last year.

Passé composé with the verb 'grandir'.

3

Elle raconte souvent des histoires à ses petits-enfants.

She often tells stories to her grandchildren.

Placement of the adverb 'souvent'.

4

Les petits-enfants apportent de la joie dans la maison.

Grandchildren bring joy into the house.

Partitive article 'de la' with 'joie'.

5

Je me demande ce que mes petits-enfants feront plus tard.

I wonder what my grandchildren will do later (in the future).

Future simple 'feront'.

6

Ils ont emmené leurs petits-enfants au zoo dimanche dernier.

They took their grandchildren to the zoo last Sunday.

Distinction between 'emmener' (to take someone) and 'apporter' (to bring something).

7

Bien que mes petits-enfants soient jeunes, ils sont très intelligents.

Although my grandchildren are young, they are very intelligent.

Uses the subjunctive 'soient' after 'bien que'.

8

C'est un cadeau spécial pour mes petits-enfants.

It is a special gift for my grandchildren.

Adjective 'spécial' follows the noun.

1

La transmission des valeurs aux petits-enfants est essentielle.

The transmission of values to grandchildren is essential.

Noun 'transmission' followed by 'des' and 'aux'.

2

De nombreux retraités s'occupent activement de leurs petits-enfants.

Many retirees actively look after their grandchildren.

Pronominal verb 's'occuper de'.

3

Le droit de visite des grands-parents à leurs petits-enfants est protégé par la loi.

Grandparents' visitation rights to their grandchildren are protected by law.

Legal terminology 'droit de visite'.

4

Certains petits-enfants vivent loin de leurs racines familiales.

Some grandchildren live far from their family roots.

Abstract concept 'racines familiales'.

5

Elle a légué tous ses biens à ses petits-enfants.

She bequeathed all her assets to her grandchildren.

Verb 'léguer' (to bequeath).

6

Les petits-enfants sont souvent le reflet de l'éducation de leurs parents.

Grandchildren are often the reflection of their parents' upbringing.

Metaphorical use of 'reflet'.

7

Il s'inquiète de l'avenir de ses petits-enfants dans ce monde changeant.

He worries about his grandchildren's future in this changing world.

Pronominal verb 's'inquiéter de'.

8

Les relations entre grands-parents et petits-enfants ont évolué avec le numérique.

Relations between grandparents and grandchildren have evolved with digital technology.

Collective subject with 'entre'.

1

L'épanouissement des petits-enfants dépend en partie de la stabilité familiale.

The fulfillment of grandchildren depends in part on family stability.

Complex noun 'épanouissement'.

2

Il est primordial de maintenir un lien affectif fort avec ses petits-enfants.

It is paramount to maintain a strong emotional bond with one's grandchildren.

High-level adjective 'primordial'.

3

Les petits-enfants héritent non seulement de biens matériels, mais aussi d'un patrimoine culturel.

Grandchildren inherit not only material goods but also a cultural heritage.

Correlative conjunctions 'non seulement... mais aussi'.

4

La présence des petits-enfants comble souvent le vide laissé par la retraite.

The presence of grandchildren often fills the void left by retirement.

Literary verb 'combler'.

5

On observe une implication croissante des grands-parents dans la vie de leurs petits-enfants.

We observe an increasing involvement of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren.

Passive-like 'on observe'.

6

Les petits-enfants constituent le pivot de la solidarité intergénérationnelle.

Grandchildren constitute the pivot of intergenerational solidarity.

Academic term 'solidarité intergénérationnelle'.

7

Il est rare que les petits-enfants ne soient pas choyés par leurs aïeux.

It is rare that grandchildren are not pampered by their ancestors.

Double negative and subjunctive 'soient'.

8

La nostalgie s'empare de lui lorsqu'il évoque ses petits-enfants.

Nostalgia takes hold of him when he evokes his grandchildren.

Literary phrasing 's'emparer de'.

1

La pérennité de la lignée se manifeste à travers l'existence des petits-enfants.

The continuity of the lineage is manifested through the existence of grandchildren.

Philosophical term 'pérennité'.

2

Les petits-enfants incarnent la promesse d'un avenir qui nous échappe.

Grandchildren embody the promise of a future that eludes us.

Metaphorical verb 'incarner'.

3

L'altérité des petits-enfants force les grands-parents à se réinventer.

The otherness of grandchildren forces grandparents to reinvent themselves.

Philosophical concept 'altérité'.

4

L'institution des petits-enfants comme héritiers universels est une pratique courante.

The institution of grandchildren as universal heirs is a common practice.

Legal phrasing 'héritiers universels'.

5

Les petits-enfants sont les dépositaires de la mémoire collective familiale.

Grandchildren are the custodians of the collective family memory.

Elevated term 'dépositaires'.

6

Sous le regard bienveillant de leurs aïeux, les petits-enfants forgent leur identité.

Under the benevolent gaze of their ancestors, grandchildren forge their identity.

Prepositional phrase 'sous le regard de'.

7

L'affection portée aux petits-enfants transcende les clivages sociaux.

The affection shown to grandchildren transcends social divides.

Abstract verb 'transcender'.

8

Nul ne saurait nier l'importance vitale des petits-enfants dans l'équilibre psychique des aînés.

No one could deny the vital importance of grandchildren in the psychic balance of the elderly.

Formal negation 'Nul ne saurait'.

Common Collocations

garder ses petits-enfants
gâter ses petits-enfants
élever ses petits-enfants
visiter ses petits-enfants
chercher ses petits-enfants
aimer ses petits-enfants
avoir des petits-enfants
perdre ses petits-enfants
éduquer ses petits-enfants
réunir ses petits-enfants

Common Phrases

Le bonheur des petits-enfants

— The happiness of the grandchildren. Often used to express priorities.

Elle ne pense qu'au bonheur de ses petits-enfants.

Passer du temps avec ses petits-enfants

— To spend time with one's grandchildren. A common retirement goal.

Il veut passer du temps avec ses petits-enfants.

Raconter des histoires aux petits-enfants

— To tell stories to the grandchildren. A traditional activity.

Le soir, il raconte des histoires à ses petits-enfants.

S'occuper de ses petits-enfants

— To take care of one's grandchildren. General caretaking.

Elle s'occupe de ses petits-enfants pendant les vacances.

Faire plaisir à ses petits-enfants

— To please or treat one's grandchildren.

Il fait toujours plaisir à ses petits-enfants.

L'avenir des petits-enfants

— The future of the grandchildren. A common concern for elders.

Nous devons protéger l'avenir de nos petits-enfants.

Voir grandir ses petits-enfants

— To see one's grandchildren grow up.

C'est une chance de voir grandir ses petits-enfants.

Le lien avec les petits-enfants

— The bond with the grandchildren.

Le lien avec les petits-enfants est irremplaçable.

Jouer avec ses petits-enfants

— To play with one's grandchildren.

Il adore jouer avec ses petits-enfants dans le jardin.

Accueillir ses petits-enfants

— To welcome or host one's grandchildren.

Elle prépare tout pour accueillir ses petits-enfants.

Idioms & Expressions

"Gâter ses petits-enfants comme des rois"

— To spoil one's grandchildren excessively. Used to describe indulgent grandparents.

Ma mère gâte ses petits-enfants comme des rois.

Informal
"Vivre pour ses petits-enfants"

— To dedicate one's life to the well-being of one's grandchildren.

Depuis son veuvage, elle vit pour ses petits-enfants.

Emotional
"Être gaga de ses petits-enfants"

— To be crazy/obsessed with one's grandchildren. Very informal.

Il est complètement gaga de ses petits-enfants.

Slang/Informal
"Le bâton de vieillesse"

— Literally 'the walking stick of old age'. Sometimes used to describe children or grandchildren who support the elderly.

Mes petits-enfants sont mon bâton de vieillesse.

Literary/Old-fashioned
"Transmettre le flambeau"

— To pass the torch. Often used in the context of passing traditions to grandchildren.

Il transmet le flambeau à ses petits-enfants.

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