As families of all ages gather together it is the perfect opportunity for grandchildren to learn more about their grandparents. Encourage your children to talk to their grandparents, ask questions, and share more about their lives. It is a meaningful way to pass along family history and traditions to the next generation.
Depending on your child’s age and how comfortable they are with their grandparent, children may feel shy about starting a conversation or knowing what questions to ask. Help guide them by starting the conversation with your parent and engaging your child to ask their own questions.
Questions to start a conversation with grandparents.
- Do you have a holiday tradition? What is your favorite thing about the holidays?
- Were you named after a family member or does your name have a special meaning?
- Do you have a nickname? How did you get the nickname?
- Where were you born?
- What was your house like as a child?
- What was your favorite subject or teacher in school?
- What is the most important lesson that your parents taught you?
- What did your friends do for fun when you were young? Did you have a best friend?
- Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
- Did you get an allowance? How much was it and what did you spend your money on?
- Did you ever get in trouble as a child or teenager?
- Did you have a curfew and what time was it? Did you ever miss curfew?
- How did you meet grandma/grandpa? What was your marriage proposal like?
- Where was your wedding? Who was your matron of honor/best man?
- What was your first job?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- What was your first car?
- Where have you lived?
- Where have you traveled?
- What is your favorite city to visit?
- How do you handle stress?
- What could you tell me that I would be surprised to learn about you?
- What is your dream for your children and grandchildren?
- What were your grandparents like?
- What is the earliest memory that you have?
- Tell me about the day when my mom/dad was born?
- What makes you happy?
- What was your first pet?
- What is different about growing up today than when you were a child?
- What is your favorite thing about being a grandparent?
In a large group, some seniors may find it difficult to hear or follow conversations. Others might feel left out, or their soft voice may go unheard. Having grandchildren engage in discussions with their grandparent is an excellent way for seniors to feel included and a part of the activities. An added benefit for the child is to learn the essential skills of conversing, active listening, and manners when speaking with their grandparent.
A fun idea, when gathered around the dinner table, is to share silly questions that can be answered by everyone and start more conversation. These questions are a more lighthearted approach that may better serve younger children or elderly parents who are less likely to share. Encourage those answering the question to elaborate or follow up with another question. The goal is that everyone gets the opportunity to talk and be heard—no matter their age.
Silly questions that can spark a lively conversation or create a new memory!
- Would you rather be able to breathe underwater like a fish or fly like a bird?
- If you could have dinner with your favorite movie character, who would it be?
- If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
- If you could only have one food to eat every day at every meal, what would it be?
- If you could switch places for one day with another family member, who would it be and why?
- If you could be an animal, what animal would it be?
- If you could take three things with you on a desert island, what items would you choose?
- What makes you feel really loved?
- What are you thankful for?
- Would you rather play in the sand or play in the snow?
- What is something that you would like to learn still?
- What is your favorite thing to do?
Grandparents have priceless wisdom and life experiences to share, encourage multi-generational conversations at your next family gathering, video chat or phone call. At Aegis Living, we hope your conversation is meaningful, and new memories are made.
