20 Questions

Questions to Ask Grandkids

Heartwarming questions to ask your grandchildren to build deeper connections, learn about their world, and create lasting memories together.

1

What's the most exciting thing that happened to you this week?

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Why this works

Opens up conversation about their recent experiences and shows genuine interest in their daily life and activities.

2

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

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Why this works

Reveals their interests and hobbies, helping you understand what brings them joy and how they like to spend their time.

3

What's the funniest thing that happened to you recently?

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Why this works

Encourages them to share humorous experiences and creates a light, enjoyable conversation that builds connection.

4

What's something you're really good at and proud of?

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Why this works

Helps them share their achievements and talents, boosting their confidence and showing you value their accomplishments.

5

What's your favorite subject in school and why do you like it?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their education and helps you understand their learning preferences and academic interests.

6

What's the best book you've read recently or your favorite book?

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Why this works

Reveals their reading interests and helps you understand their imagination, values, and intellectual curiosity.

7

What's your favorite memory from our time together?

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Why this works

Creates a special moment of connection and helps you understand what experiences they value most with you.

8

What's something you'd like to learn how to do?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their goals and aspirations, and may reveal opportunities for you to teach them something new.

9

What's your favorite family tradition or holiday?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what family experiences they value most and creates opportunities to plan future traditions.

10

What's the most interesting thing you learned recently?

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Why this works

Encourages them to share their knowledge and shows you value their learning and intellectual growth.

11

What's your favorite way to spend time with friends?

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Why this works

Reveals their social preferences and helps you understand their friendships and social development.

12

What's something you're looking forward to in the future?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their hopes and dreams, and helps you understand their goals and aspirations.

13

What's your favorite thing about our family?

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Why this works

Creates a positive family conversation and helps you understand what they value most about your family relationships.

14

What's something you'd like to teach me?

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Why this works

Reverses the typical grandparent-grandchild dynamic and shows you value their knowledge and perspective.

15

What's the most challenging thing you're working on right now?

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Why this works

Shows you care about their struggles and provides an opportunity to offer support and encouragement.

16

What's your favorite thing to do when you're with me?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what activities they enjoy most with you and creates opportunities for more meaningful time together.

17

What's something you're curious about or want to know more about?

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Why this works

Reveals their intellectual curiosity and may provide opportunities for you to share your knowledge and experiences.

18

What's your favorite thing about your parents?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their family relationships and helps you understand their perspective on their parents.

19

What's something you'd like to do together that we haven't done before?

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Why this works

Creates opportunities for new experiences and helps you plan future activities they'll enjoy.

20

What's the most important thing you want me to know about you?

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Why this works

Gives them a chance to share what's most important to them and helps you understand their core values and identity.

Building Grandparent-Grandchild Connections

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

Effective Grandparent Conversations

Show Genuine Interest

Listen actively and ask follow-up questions to show you're truly interested in their thoughts and experiences.

Be Patient and Present

Give them time to think and respond, and be fully present during your conversations without distractions.

Share Your Own Stories

Balance asking questions with sharing your own experiences and stories to create a two-way conversation.

Key Areas to Explore

Recent experiences and activities
Interests and hobbies
School and learning
Friendships and social life
Family relationships
Goals and aspirations
Challenges and struggles
Curiosity and learning
Family traditions
Future plans and dreams

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Compare Generations

Avoid saying things like 'When I was your age' too often, as this can make them feel like you're not interested in their world.

Don't Rush Them

Give them time to think and respond, and don't interrupt or finish their sentences for them.

Don't Focus Only on Achievements

Ask about their feelings, experiences, and challenges, not just their accomplishments and successes.

Conversation Frameworks

The Experience Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: 'What's the most exciting thing that happened to you this week?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What made that so exciting?'
3
Step 3: Deepen with: 'How did that make you feel?'

The Interest Discoverer

1
Step 1: Begin with: 'What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?'
2
Step 2: Continue with: 'What do you like about that?'
3
Step 3: Explore with: 'How did you get interested in that?'

Further Reading

"The Grandparent's Guide" by Arthur Kornhaber
"Connecting with Your Grandchildren" by Susan V. Bosak
"The Grandparent's Handbook" by Elizabeth LaBan

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