Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2010) get a bad rap, but I have found they have an interesting perspective that deserves to be heard! Kids this age may be more challenging to get talking, so I have curated this list of 48 questions about the world that will get them thinking and sharing.
(Remember, their perspective will probably differ from yours, but keep an open mind and give them the space to talk! Doing this can grow your relationship in ways you couldn’t imagine.)
- What are the top three issues you think the world needs to address right now?
- How do you think the pandemic has shaped your generation?
- What’s a cause that’s important to you and why?
- What is one lesson you believe everyone should learn in life?
- How do you think social media influences our perceptions of reality?
- What’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever done?
- What does ‘freedom’ mean to you?
- What are the top three qualities you admire in people?
- What are your thoughts on the rise of artificial intelligence?
- What does ‘love’ mean to you?
- If you could rewrite one rule that society generally follows, what would it be?
- What do you think the future of work will look like?
- What does ‘success’ mean to you?
- How important do you think it is to preserve different languages and cultures in an increasingly globalized world?
- How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
- What are your thoughts on the concept of ‘mindfulness’?
- What are your thoughts on the balance between personal privacy and national security?
- Do you think your generation is more socially conscious than previous ones?
- Who is someone you admire, and why?
- Do you believe there is life beyond Earth?
- What’s something you’ve done that you’re really proud of?
- What’s the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
- How do you think technology will change our lives in the next decade?
- What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
- What are your thoughts on the importance of mental health in our society?
- What’s a skill you wish you could master overnight?
- What role does art play in society, in your view?
- What does ‘happiness’ mean to you?
- If you had unlimited resources, how would you use them to help others?
- What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why?
- How do you feel about the current state of education, and what changes would you suggest?
- What do you think is the most historic event you have lived through thus far?
- What do you think about the pace of scientific advancements? Is it too fast, too slow, or just right?
- How has your relationship with your parents influenced you?
- If you could change one thing about our political system, what would it be?
- How do you handle stress and maintain mental health?
- How do you think your generation will be remembered in history?
- Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
- How do you think the digital age has affected our ability to communicate effectively?
- If you could invite three people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be and why?
- How do you define equality, and do you believe we’ve achieved it?
- What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?
- Do you think traditional media outlets are becoming less relevant? Why or why not?
- If you could live in any time period, when would it be and why?
- If you were the President and you could choose 3 people to assist you, who would you pick and why?
- What’s the best invention you’ve seen most recently, and what do you like about it?
- Do you think society places too much value on material possessions? Why or why not?
- Do you think video games have a positive or negative impact on young people?
I hope these questions open up lots of conversation for you and your teen grandkids! Do you want even more questions? I have plenty (for all age groups, too)! Here’s to hours of heart-to-hearts with your favorite people – your grandbabies.