20 Questions

Questions to Ask Your Grandkids

Heartwarming questions to connect with your grandchildren, learn about their world, and create lasting memories through meaningful conversations.

1

What's the best part of your day today?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Simple, positive opener that encourages sharing of daily experiences and helps you understand what brings joy to your grandchild's life.

2

If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Fun, imaginative question that reveals personality traits and interests while sparking creative conversations that children love.

3

What's something you're really good at that makes you proud?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages self-esteem and helps you learn about your grandchild's talents, interests, and what they value about themselves.

4

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Creative question that reveals values and priorities while being universally engaging and sparking imaginative discussions.

5

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Helps you understand their social world and interests, and may reveal opportunities for activities you could do together.

6

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Taps into curiosity and dreams while potentially revealing interests in different cultures, places, or activities.

7

What's something new you learned recently that excited you?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages sharing of learning experiences and helps you understand what topics or activities capture their curiosity and enthusiasm.

8

If you could have any job when you grow up, what would it be?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals aspirations and interests while being a classic question that children often enjoy discussing and that can lead to deeper conversations about their dreams.

9

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

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Helps you understand what activities they value most with family and may give you ideas for future family time together.

10

If you could invent something to make the world better, what would it be?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages creative thinking and reveals what problems or issues your grandchild cares about, showing their values and empathy.

11

What's something that always makes you laugh?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Positive question that helps you understand their sense of humor and what brings them joy, potentially leading to shared laughter.

12

If you could have any pet, what would you choose and what would you name it?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Fun question that reveals preferences and creativity while being universally engaging for children of all ages.

13

What's the most interesting thing you've seen or done this week?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages sharing of experiences and helps you stay connected to their daily life and what they find exciting or noteworthy.

14

If you could teach me something, what would you want to teach me?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Empowering question that makes them feel valued and knowledgeable while potentially revealing their interests and what they're proud of knowing.

15

What's something you're looking forward to?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Future-focused question that encourages sharing of hopes and plans, creating positive anticipation and showing you care about their future.

16

If you could have dinner with anyone (real or fictional), who would it be?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals interests, values, and role models while being fun to discuss and potentially leading to conversations about their heroes or interests.

17

What's your favorite thing about school (or your favorite subject)?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Helps you understand their academic interests and experiences, showing you care about their education and learning.

18

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Encourages thinking about bigger issues and reveals what your grandchild cares about, showing their values and concerns for others.

19

What's something you're grateful for today?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Promotes positive thinking and gratitude while helping you understand what matters most to them in their daily life.

20

If you could spend a whole day doing anything you wanted, what would you do?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

Reveals their ideal day and preferences while being fun to discuss and potentially giving you ideas for special activities you could do together.

How to Connect with Your Grandchildren Through Questions

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

Best Practices

Get Down to Their Level

Physically get down to their eye level when talking, and mentally meet them where they are in terms of interests and understanding.

Listen with Genuine Interest

Show real enthusiasm for their answers. Children can tell when adults are genuinely interested versus just being polite.

Share Your Own Stories

When appropriate, share your own childhood experiences or stories that relate to what they're talking about to create deeper connections.

Question Sequences

The Daily Life Series

1
What's the best part of your day today?
2
What's something new you learned recently?
3
What's the most interesting thing you've seen this week?
4
What's something you're grateful for today?

The Imagination Series

1
If you could be any animal, which would you choose?
2
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
3
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
4
If you could have any pet, what would you choose?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Make It an Interview

Space out your questions with natural conversation, your own stories, and activities. The goal is connection, not interrogation.

Don't Correct or Judge

Avoid correcting their answers or making judgments about their choices. Let them express themselves freely without fear of criticism.

Don't Force Serious Topics

If they're not in the mood for deeper conversations, respect that and focus on fun, light questions that still create connection.

Conversation Templates

The Grandparent Bonding Session

1
Step 1: Start with a simple, positive question about their day
2
Step 2: Share your own answer to model openness
3
Step 3: Ask follow-up questions to show interest
4
Step 4: Share a related story from your own childhood
5
Step 5: End with a fun, imaginative question

The Learning Together Activity

1
Step 1: Ask what they'd like to teach you
2
Step 2: Let them explain something they're excited about
3
Step 3: Ask questions to show you're learning
4
Step 4: Share something you know that relates
5
Step 5: Plan to explore the topic together

Further Reading

"The Grandparent Guide" by Arthur Kornhaber
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber
"The Connected Grandparent" by Susan V. Bosak
Grandparenting and child development resources

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation