Questions Kids Should Ask Their Grandparents

Before they were Grandma and Grandpa, they were kids, teenagers, students, and young adults with dreams, adventures, and plenty of stories to tell.

This conversation guide will help your kids discover the moments that shaped the grandparents they know today. Sometimes, all it takes is one question to hear a story that changes the way a child sees the person they love—or even the way they see the world.

As you chat, hit record. Whether you use your phone’s video camera or a voice recorder, capture the stories, laughs, and little details that can fade with time. Before you begin, say the date, everyone’s names, and each person’s age. Years from now, you’ll be glad these details were recorded, too.

Find a cozy spot, press record, and enjoy the trip down memory lane.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD

■ What street did you grow up on, and what is your favorite memory from there?

■ What games did you play when you were my age?

■ Did you have a family pet?

■ What were your parents and grandparents like?

■ What were holidays like when you were growing up?

■ Were you in any sports, clubs, or activities?

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY…

■ How did you meet Grandma/Grandpa, and what was your first impression?

■ What was your first date like?

■ When did you know you wanted to get married?

■ What do you remember about your wedding day?

■ What is the funniest thing that has happened in your relationship?

■ What is something you admire about each other?

TELL ME ABOUT LIFE GROWING UP…

■ What major historical events happened during your young adult years?

■ What fashion trend did you love living through (or regret being a part of)?

■ Have you ever been on television or in the newspaper?

■ Who were your best friends growing up?

■ What was your very first job?

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE ME…

■ What is something you were passionate about when you were young?

■ Do you have a secret talent?

■ Did you ever call another place home?

■ What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

■ What did you want to be when you grew up?

■ If you could relive one day, which day would it be?

TELL ME YOUR FAVORITES…

■ Do you have a favorite family recipe?

■ Who is your role model?

■ What is something you could never get tired of doing?

■ What is your favorite time of day and why?

■ What was your favorite movie, book, and song?

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY…

■ Do you have any funny stories about my mom/dad when they were growing up?

■ What family story should never be forgotten?

■ What is your favorite family tradition?

■ What was my parent’s first word or favorite toy?

■ Who in our family is most like you?

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURES…

■ When was the longest you’ve been away from home?

■ What is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

■ What is something brave you did?

■ What is a memory that always makes you smile?

■ What is one experience that changed your life?

TELL ME WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED…

■ What do you wish you knew when you were my age?

■ What makes someone a good friend?

■ What is something you think is worth spending my time on?

■ What is something people worry about that they shouldn’t?

■ What is a mistake you’ve made that taught you something important?

■ What is one thing you hope I always remember?

TELL ME ABOUT SCHOOL DAYS…

■ What was your favorite subject in school, and why?

■ Who was your favorite teacher?

■ What did you eat for lunch at school?

■ Did you ever get into trouble at school? What happened?

■ What did you do after school or during summer breaks?

■ If you could go back and visit your childhood classroom, what would you want to see?

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DREAMS…

■ What is something you’re most proud of?

■ What dream did you have that came true?

■ Is there something you still hope to do someday?

■ What advice would you give your younger self?

■ What do you hope our family remembers about you?

■ If you could leave our family with one tradition, value, or lesson, what would it be?

Grandparents are an important part of our families, and taking the time to reminisce can uncover memories, life lessons, and family stories you may have never heard before. One day, these recordings may become some of your family’s most treasured keepsakes!

From all of us at MetroFamily Magazine, Happy Grandparents Day!