Things to Talk About with Your Grandkids
There’s so much love and sometimes, so much distance between that love. Generations, cultural shifts, age, technology — so much stands between the bridge of grandparent and grandchild. It can be hard to cross that bridge, but we are here to help. Next time you see your grandchild, try out a few of these questions for an engaging conversation that they will be sure to remember.
Things to Talk About With Your Grandkids
“Show me your favorite…”
Video game, song, Youtube video, TikTok, book, trick, thing you worked on this week, etc. It’s important to aim for something that they will perk at the mention of, something that will lead them to show you more and more as they explain. A video game leads to, “Oh, and look at what I can do in the game!” A Youtube Video generates another. A book opens up so many questions and stories. Plus, everyone remembers a time that they were able to share what they love with someone else.
Would you rather…?
Be a fish or a bird? Live in a mansion in the desert or a small house on the beach? Never eat pizza again or never eat chocolate again? Swim with sharks or hike with bears? There are endless possibilities and the volley of questions could last hours.
Tell me about your best friend.
This is a perfect one that allows you to sit back and listen. Who doesn’t like talking about their best friend? We play this game together, they are so silly because they always do this, they like to call me this nickname, and I call them that nickname.
Reverse Questions!
Guess what year I was born? If you could give me a nickname, what would it be? Guess what my favorite hobby is? Guess who my best friend is? Guess what time I woke up this morning? Help them to better understand you.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Classic question!
Let me tell you a story about…
“…your mom/dad when they were your age.” “Let me tell you about my favorite game when I was a child.” “Let me tell you about what my school was like when I was a kid.” “I bet you’ll never believe what kind of trouble I used to get up to!” “Let me tell you about what I used to do for work!” Watch as listen quietly with wide eyes.
What was the best thing about your week?
Icebreaker. Easy question to get them warmed up for some quality family time.
Let’s play a game together.
This might be the best thing to say to a young person. If they mention that you don’t know the game, say, teach me! Try your best and be open to their ideas. Everyone loves to share what they love with someone else. This is a fantastic bonding opportunity.
If your grandchild doesn’t have a game in mind (doubtful), suggest 20 Questions, Hang-Man, Wordle, etc!
Or, skip the talking and try doing something!
Once you’ve found their interests, take them out to explore it! They’re curious? Try the aquarium or science museum. They’re artistic? Take them to a museum! They are vivacious and energetic? Take them to a plane show or a firework show! They like to run around and explore? Take them to a park or a wildlife preserve! This is so special because you could be the first person to introduce them to this particular activity or place. Core memories being formed!
Or, skip the talking and doing and eat!
Ice cream, donuts, fast food. There’s nothing wrong with associating grandparent quality time with naughty foods! If they love it, they love it!