20 Questions

Questions to Ask Your Son

Meaningful questions designed to strengthen your relationship with your son, understand his world, and create deeper connections through thoughtful conversation.

1

What's something you're really proud of that you accomplished recently?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Celebrates his achievements and builds confidence. This question shows you value his accomplishments and helps him feel recognized for his efforts.

2

What's the most interesting thing you learned today?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages learning and shows interest in his intellectual growth. This question helps you understand what captures his attention and curiosity.

3

What's something that made you laugh recently?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Sharing laughter creates connection and joy. This question helps you understand his sense of humor and what brings him happiness.

4

What's a challenge you're facing right now and how can I help?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows you're available for support and problem-solving. This question helps you understand his struggles and provides opportunities to offer guidance.

5

What's something you're looking forward to this week?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals his interests and excitement about the future. This question helps you understand what motivates him and what he values.

6

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding his social life helps you support his relationships. This question reveals his social preferences and helps you understand his peer interactions.

7

What's something you wish you could do more of?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals his interests and aspirations. This question helps you understand what he values and what activities bring him fulfillment.

8

What's the best advice someone has given you recently?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows you value his learning from others. This question helps you understand what wisdom resonates with him and what guidance he finds valuable.

9

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. This question helps you understand his interests and provides opportunities to support his learning.

10

What's a goal you have for yourself this year?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Understanding his goals helps you support his aspirations. This question reveals his ambitions and provides opportunities to offer encouragement and guidance.

11

What's something that surprised you recently?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Sharing surprises creates connection and wonder. This question helps you understand what catches his attention and what he finds remarkable.

12

What's your favorite thing about our family?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Strengthens family bonds and shows appreciation. This question helps you understand what he values about your family and what makes him feel connected.

13

What's something you're grateful for today?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Cultivates gratitude and positive thinking. This question helps you understand what he values and appreciate, fostering a positive mindset.

14

What's a skill you'd like to develop or improve?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages personal growth and development. This question helps you understand his aspirations and provides opportunities to support his learning.

15

What's something that made you feel proud of yourself?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Builds self-esteem and confidence. This question helps you understand what he values about himself and what makes him feel accomplished.

16

What's a question you have about the world or how things work?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages curiosity and critical thinking. This question helps you understand his intellectual interests and provides opportunities for learning together.

17

What's something you'd like to do together as a family?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Strengthens family connections and creates shared experiences. This question helps you understand his preferences and plan meaningful family activities.

18

What's a memory you have that makes you smile?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Sharing positive memories creates connection and joy. This question helps you understand what experiences he values and what brings him happiness.

19

What's something you're worried about and how can I help?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Shows you're available for emotional support. This question helps you understand his concerns and provides opportunities to offer comfort and guidance.

20

What's something you love about yourself?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Builds self-esteem and positive self-image. This question helps you understand what he values about himself and what makes him feel confident.

Parent-Child Connection Guide

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

Conversation Best Practices

Listen Without Judgment

Create a safe space for your son to share openly. Avoid criticizing or dismissing his thoughts and feelings, even if you don't agree with them.

Ask Follow-up Questions

Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions about his responses. This demonstrates that you're listening and care about his experiences.

Share Your Own Experiences

When appropriate, share your own relevant experiences. This creates connection and shows that you understand what he's going through.

Question Sequences

The Achievement Celebration Series

1
What's something you're really proud of that you accomplished recently?
2
What's something that made you feel proud of yourself?
3
What's a goal you have for yourself this year?
4
What's a skill you'd like to develop or improve?

The Learning and Growth Series

1
What's the most interesting thing you learned today?
2
What's something you're curious about or want to learn more about?
3
What's a question you have about the world or how things work?
4
What's the best advice someone has given you recently?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Interrogate

Avoid asking too many questions at once or making it feel like an interrogation. Keep the conversation natural and comfortable.

Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice

Don't immediately jump to giving advice when he shares problems. Listen first, then ask if he wants your input before offering solutions.

Don't Dismiss His Feelings

Even if his concerns seem trivial to you, they're important to him. Validate his feelings and take his concerns seriously.

Conversation Templates

The Daily Check-in

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's the most interesting thing you learned today?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What's something that made you laugh recently?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What's something you're grateful for today?"
4
Step 4: Conclude with: "What's something you're looking forward to this week?"

The Support and Growth

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What's a challenge you're facing right now and how can I help?"
2
Step 2: Investigate with: "What's something you're worried about and how can I help?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What's a goal you have for yourself this year?"
4
Step 4: Support with: "What's a skill you'd like to develop or improve?"

Further Reading

"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
"Raising Boys" by Steve Biddulph

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation