Questions to Ask Toddlers

Questions to Ask Toddlers

Age-appropriate questions to ask toddlers that will help you connect with them, encourage their language development, and create meaningful conversations.

1

What's your favorite color?

A simple question that helps toddlers express preferences and practice basic vocabulary.

2

What's your favorite animal?

Encourages imagination and helps toddlers practice animal names and sounds.

3

What did you do today?

Helps toddlers practice recalling events and describing their day in simple terms.

4

What's your favorite food?

A relatable topic that encourages vocabulary development and self-expression.

5

What's your favorite toy?

Helps toddlers practice describing objects and expressing preferences.

6

What do you like to do with mommy/daddy?

Encourages family bonding and helps toddlers express their relationships.

7

What's your favorite song?

Music is engaging for toddlers and helps them practice language and rhythm.

8

What do you see outside?

Encourages observation skills and helps toddlers practice describing their environment.

9

What's your favorite book?

Promotes literacy and helps toddlers practice recalling and describing stories.

10

What do you like to do at the park?

Encourages physical activity vocabulary and helps toddlers describe their experiences.

11

What's your favorite thing to do with friends?

Helps toddlers practice social vocabulary and express their relationships with peers.

12

What do you like to do when it's raining?

Encourages creative thinking and helps toddlers practice weather-related vocabulary.

13

What's your favorite thing about bedtime?

Helps toddlers practice routine vocabulary and express their feelings about sleep.

14

What do you like to do when you're happy?

Encourages emotional vocabulary and helps toddlers express their feelings.

15

What's your favorite thing to do with grandma/grandpa?

Encourages family relationships and helps toddlers practice family vocabulary.

16

What do you like to do when you're sad?

Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their coping strategies.

17

What's your favorite thing about your room?

Encourages home vocabulary and helps toddlers practice describing their personal space.

18

What do you like to do when you're angry?

Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their feelings constructively.

19

What's your favorite thing to do with your pet?

Encourages animal vocabulary and helps toddlers practice describing their relationships with pets.

20

What do you like to do when you're excited?

Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their enthusiasm.

Want to learn more?

Connecting with Toddlers

Approaching the Conversation

Get Down to Their Level

Sit or kneel so you're at eye level with the toddler. This makes them feel more comfortable and engaged.

Use Simple Language

Keep questions simple and use words they understand. Avoid complex sentences or abstract concepts.

Be Patient and Encouraging

Toddlers may need time to process and respond. Give them time and encourage their attempts to communicate.

Key Areas to Explore

Preferences and Interests

Favorite colors, animals, and foods
Favorite toys and activities
Favorite books and songs
Favorite places and experiences

Daily Life and Routines

Daily activities and experiences
Family relationships and interactions
Bedtime and sleep routines
Play and social activities

Emotions and Feelings

What makes them happy or sad
How they express different emotions
What they do when they feel different ways
Their relationships with family and friends

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Ask Too Many Questions

Toddlers have short attention spans. Ask one question at a time and give them time to respond before moving on.

Avoid Abstract Concepts

Stick to concrete, tangible topics that toddlers can understand and relate to.

Don't Pressure Them

If a toddler doesn't want to answer, don't pressure them. Move on to something else or try a different approach.

Further Reading

"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber
"Toddler Development" guides