20 Questions

Questions to Ask Your Grandchildren

Thoughtful questions grandparents can ask grandchildren of all ages to build connection, understand their world, spark imagination, and create cherished memories together.

1

What made you smile today?

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Why this works

Simple opener that highlights positivity and invites storytelling.

2

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

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Why this works

Sparks imagination and reveals what they value or wish they could do.

3

What's your favorite thing to do with me?

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Why this works

Shows you value their input and helps you plan meaningful time together.

4

Who is your best friend, and what do you like about them?

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Why this works

Opens conversation about their social world and relationships.

5

What are you learning about in school that's interesting?

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Why this works

Shows interest in their education and intellectual development.

6

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

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Why this works

Celebrates their achievements and builds self-esteem.

7

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

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Why this works

Reveals their curiosity and dreams about places and adventures.

8

What's something you're worried about or find challenging?

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Why this works

Opens space for support and shows you're there for hard times too.

9

What do you want to be when you grow up?

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Why this works

Classic question that evolves over time and reflects changing interests.

10

What's your favorite family tradition, and why do you like it?

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Why this works

Reinforces family bonds and identifies what they cherish.

11

If you could teach me something, what would it be?

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Why this works

Empowers them as experts and validates their knowledge and interests.

12

What makes you feel loved?

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Why this works

Helps you understand their love language and how to connect better.

13

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

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Why this works

Invites joy and humor into your conversation.

14

What's one thing you wish adults understood about being a kid?

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Why this works

Bridges generational gaps and shows respect for their perspective.

15

What are three things you're grateful for right now?

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Why this works

Cultivates gratitude and positive thinking.

16

If we could spend a whole day together, what would you want to do?

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Why this works

Lets them design quality time and shows their interests matter.

17

What's something about me (Grandma/Grandpa) that you're curious about?

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Why this works

Invites them to learn about you and share your stories.

18

What's your favorite book, game, or show right now, and why?

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Why this works

Keeps you current with their world and opens shared interest opportunities.

19

Who is someone you admire or look up to?

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Why this works

Reveals their role models and values.

20

What question do you have for me?

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Why this works

Empowers them to lead the conversation and ask what's on their mind.

Connecting Across Generations

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

Best Practices

Get Down to Their Level

Physically and emotionally meet them where they are—playful presence matters more than perfect questions.

Listen Without Judging

Let them express themselves freely without correction or criticism—build trust through acceptance.

Share Your Own Stories Too

Reciprocate with age-appropriate stories from your own life to deepen connection.

Adapting Questions by Age

Young Children (3-7)

1
What's your favorite color today?
2
Can you tell me a story about your toy?
3
What makes you happy?

School-Age (8-12)

1
What's the best part of your week?
2
Who do you sit with at lunch and what do you talk about?
3
What do you wish you were better at?

Teenagers (13+)

1
What are you passionate about right now?
2
What's something you're figuring out?
3
How can I best support you?

Common Pitfalls

Interrogating Instead of Conversing

Balance questions with stories, silence, and play—don't make it feel like an interview.

Comparing to Siblings or 'Your Day'

Avoid 'when I was your age' comparisons that dismiss their experience.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation