20 Questions

Questions to Ask Your Little Brother

Meaningful questions to ask your younger brother to build connection, understand his world, offer support, and strengthen your sibling bond across different ages.

1

What's the best part of your week so far?

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Why this works

Positive opener that invites sharing and highlights what matters to him.

2

Is there anything you're worried about or stressed about?

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Why this works

Opens space for vulnerability and shows you're safe to confide in.

3

What are you most proud of recently?

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Why this works

Celebrates achievements and builds his confidence.

4

Who are your closest friends, and what do you like about them?

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Why this works

Understands his social world and peer influences.

5

What's something you wish our family understood better about you?

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Why this works

Validates his perspective and identifies unmet needs.

6

What do you want to be when you grow up, or what are you interested in right now?

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Why this works

Shows interest in his dreams and aspirations.

7

Is there anything I can help you with or teach you?

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Why this works

Positions you as supportive resource, not just authority figure.

8

What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?

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Why this works

Reveals interests and potential bonding activities.

9

What's something you wish you could do but haven't tried yet?

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Why this works

Uncovers hidden interests and potential opportunities you could facilitate.

10

How do you feel about school, and what's your favorite/least favorite subject?

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Why this works

Understands academic experience and where he might need support.

11

What makes you feel happy and confident?

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Why this works

Identifies what lifts him up and how you can encourage him.

12

Is anyone giving you a hard time, and how are you handling it?

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Why this works

Screens for bullying or conflict and offers guidance.

13

What's something you think I don't know about you?

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Why this works

Invites sharing something personal and deepens understanding.

14

What do you like most about being brothers/siblings?

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Why this works

Affirms relationship and highlights positive aspects.

15

What's a dream or goal you have that maybe feels too big to say out loud?

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Why this works

Encourages ambition and shows you believe in his potential.

16

What advice would you give me about something?

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Why this works

Empowers him by valuing his perspective and wisdom.

17

What's the funniest thing that happened to you recently?

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Why this works

Keeps conversation light and builds shared joy.

18

If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be?

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Why this works

Reveals dissatisfaction or struggles you can help address.

19

What do you want to do together sometime soon?

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Why this works

Actively plans quality time and shows you prioritize the relationship.

20

Is there anything you want to ask me?

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Why this works

Opens reciprocal conversation and gives him space to lead.

Building Strong Sibling Relationships

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

Best Practices

Meet Him Where He Is

Adapt questions to his age and maturity—younger kids need simpler, more concrete questions.

Listen Without Lecturing

Resist the urge to immediately give advice—sometimes he just needs to be heard.

Share Your Own Stories

Reciprocity builds trust—tell him about your own struggles and wins at his age.

Questions by Age Group

Young Kids (5-10)

1
What's your favorite game right now?
2
Who do you play with at recess?
3
What do you want to be when you grow up?

Tweens (11-13)

1
What's something cool you learned recently?
2
Who's your favorite teacher and why?
3
What are you into right now—games, sports, music?

Teens (14+)

1
What's on your mind these days?
2
What are your plans after high school?
3
What's something you're figuring out right now?

Common Pitfalls

Being Too Preachy

Big brother advice is valuable, but constant lectures push him away—balance guidance with listening.

Comparing Him to Yourself

Avoid 'when I was your age'—he's his own person on his own timeline.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation