20 Questions

Questions to Ask Children

Engaging questions to connect with children, encourage their curiosity, and build meaningful relationships through age-appropriate conversation.

1

What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their interests and helps you understand what brings them joy and excitement.

2

What's the best part of your day today?

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Why this works

Encourages them to focus on positive experiences and helps you understand what makes them happy.

3

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

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Why this works

Fun, imaginative question that reveals their personality and what they admire or find interesting.

4

What's something you're really good at?

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Why this works

Builds their confidence and helps you understand their strengths and talents.

5

What's your favorite thing about school (or home)?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their daily life and helps you understand what they enjoy about their environment.

6

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

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Why this works

Encourages creativity and imagination while revealing what they value or wish they could do.

7

What's something you want to learn how to do?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their goals and helps you understand what they're curious about or want to achieve.

8

What makes you laugh the most?

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Why this works

Encourages joy and helps you understand their sense of humor and what brings them happiness.

9

What's your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their entertainment preferences and helps you understand their interests and values.

10

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and helps you understand their interests and curiosity about the world.

11

What's something you're proud of?

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Why this works

Builds self-esteem and helps you understand what they value and what makes them feel accomplished.

12

What's your favorite way to help others?

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Why this works

Encourages empathy and helps you understand their values and how they want to contribute.

13

What's something that makes you feel brave?

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Why this works

Encourages courage and helps you understand what gives them confidence and strength.

14

If you could invent something, what would it be?

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Why this works

Encourages creativity and problem-solving while revealing what they think is important or useful.

15

What's your favorite thing about your family?

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Why this works

Encourages gratitude and helps you understand what they value about their relationships.

16

What's something you're curious about?

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Why this works

Encourages their natural curiosity and helps you understand what they want to learn about.

17

What's the nicest thing someone has done for you?

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Why this works

Encourages gratitude and helps you understand what kindness means to them.

18

If you could be friends with any character from a book or movie, who would it be?

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Why this works

Fun question that reveals their interests and what qualities they admire in others.

19

What's something you want to tell me about?

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Why this works

Gives them control over the conversation and shows you're interested in whatever they want to share.

20

What's something that makes you feel special?

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Why this works

Builds self-esteem and helps you understand what makes them feel valued and important.

Connecting with Children

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Age-Appropriate Communication

Match Their Energy

Use enthusiasm and excitement that matches their level. Children respond well to genuine interest and animated conversation.

Keep It Simple

Use language and concepts that are appropriate for their age. Avoid complex topics or adult concerns.

Be Patient

Give them time to think and respond. Don't rush them or finish their sentences for them.

Effective Conversation Strategies

Start with Their Interests

Ask about their favorite activities and hobbies
Show interest in their friends and social life
Discuss their favorite books, movies, or games
Explore their creative interests and talents

Encourage Imagination

Ask hypothetical and creative questions
Encourage storytelling and make-believe
Explore their dreams and aspirations
Discuss their favorite characters and stories

Build Confidence

Ask about their achievements and strengths
Encourage them to share what they're proud of
Show interest in their learning and growth
Validate their feelings and experiences

Building Strong Connections

Be Present

Give them your full attention when talking. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation.

Show Genuine Interest

Ask follow-up questions and show that you care about their answers. This builds trust and encourages more sharing.

Create Safe Space

Make sure they feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment or criticism. Listen without trying to fix everything.

Further Reading

"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
"Parenting with Love and Logic" by Charles Fay

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