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.
1What's your favorite color?
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What's your favorite color?
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Why this works
A simple question that helps toddlers express preferences and practice basic vocabulary.
2What's your favorite animal?
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What's your favorite animal?
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Why this works
Encourages imagination and helps toddlers practice animal names and sounds.
3What did you do today?
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What did you do today?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice recalling events and describing their day in simple terms.
4What's your favorite food?
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What's your favorite food?
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Why this works
A relatable topic that encourages vocabulary development and self-expression.
5What's your favorite toy?
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What's your favorite toy?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice describing objects and expressing preferences.
6What do you like to do with mommy/daddy?
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What do you like to do with mommy/daddy?
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Why this works
Encourages family bonding and helps toddlers express their relationships.
7What's your favorite song?
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What's your favorite song?
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Why this works
Music is engaging for toddlers and helps them practice language and rhythm.
8What do you see outside?
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What do you see outside?
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Why this works
Encourages observation skills and helps toddlers practice describing their environment.
9What's your favorite book?
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What's your favorite book?
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Why this works
Promotes literacy and helps toddlers practice recalling and describing stories.
10What do you like to do at the park?
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What do you like to do at the park?
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Why this works
Encourages physical activity vocabulary and helps toddlers describe their experiences.
11What's your favorite thing to do with friends?
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What's your favorite thing to do with friends?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice social vocabulary and express their relationships with peers.
12What do you like to do when it's raining?
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What do you like to do when it's raining?
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Why this works
Encourages creative thinking and helps toddlers practice weather-related vocabulary.
13What's your favorite thing about bedtime?
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What's your favorite thing about bedtime?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice routine vocabulary and express their feelings about sleep.
14What do you like to do when you're happy?
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What do you like to do when you're happy?
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Why this works
Encourages emotional vocabulary and helps toddlers express their feelings.
15What's your favorite thing to do with grandma/grandpa?
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What's your favorite thing to do with grandma/grandpa?
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Why this works
Encourages family relationships and helps toddlers practice family vocabulary.
16What do you like to do when you're sad?
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What do you like to do when you're sad?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their coping strategies.
17What's your favorite thing about your room?
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What's your favorite thing about your room?
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Why this works
Encourages home vocabulary and helps toddlers practice describing their personal space.
18What do you like to do when you're angry?
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What do you like to do when you're angry?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their feelings constructively.
19What's your favorite thing to do with your pet?
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What's your favorite thing to do with your pet?
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Why this works
Encourages animal vocabulary and helps toddlers practice describing their relationships with pets.
20What do you like to do when you're excited?
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What do you like to do when you're excited?
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Why this works
Helps toddlers practice emotional vocabulary and express their enthusiasm.
Connecting with Toddlers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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
Daily Life and Routines
Emotions and Feelings
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.