42 Golden Keys Straight To Your Grandchild’s Heart (The Power of Open Ended Questions)

One of my favorite ways to connect with my grandkids is to ask them questions, many of which I have shared with you! After sharing this second batch of general, this or that, or would you rather questions, I received several emails from my fellow grandmas who asked their grandkids these questions and learned something new and/or got them to put down their phones for a few minutes. That’s what I call a major success!

Today, I am sharing some more open-ended questions that will keep the conversation going (and not just result in a one or two-word answer). Since we always want a strong relationship with our grandkids, I have included questions for all ages, from the littlest tykes to adults.

The first thing is first…

What are open-ended questions, and why are they important?

Simply put, an open-ended question is one that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but requires a longer, more thoughtful answer. Why is this important, and why should we ask open-ended questions to our grandkids? There are many benefits to asking an open-ended question, including: 

• Encourages children (or the one answering the question) to think more about their response and to give a more thoughtful answer
• Open-ended questions can require more creativity and imagination
• Helps build a child’s vocabulary and language skills
• Builds better relationships and strengthens bonds 

Open-ended questions are another fun way to connect with your grandchild and uncover their personality even more, so I racked my brain for the most fun and age-appropriate ones I could develop! I hope you and your grands have as much fun with these as we did.

Open-ended questions for ages 3 to 6

• If you could create a new ice cream flavor, what would it taste like?
• What kind of animal would you like to be for a day? Why?
• If you could paint the sky any color, which color would you choose?
• How would you describe your favorite toy to an alien?
• If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
• What does your dream playground look like?
• If you had a magic carpet, where would you fly?
• What kind of magical creature would you want to be friends with?

Open-ended questions for ages 7 to 10

• If you could invent a new holiday, what would you celebrate?
• What would your dream treehouse look like?
• If you could be any character from your favorite book or movie, who would you be?
• What kind of world would you create if you were in charge?
• If you could travel back in time, what historical event would you like to witness?
• What would be the best thing about living on another planet?
• If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
• What three things would you take with you on a deserted island?

Open-ended questions for ages 11 to 14

• If you could start your own business, what would it be and why?  
• How would you use your talents to make the world a better place?
• If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
• If you could create your own video game, what would the story and characters be like?
• What would be the most interesting way to travel around the world?
• If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
• What do you think the future of technology will look like?
• If you could design a city, what features would you include to make it perfect?

Open-ended questions for ages 15 to 18

• If you could solve one global problem, which one would it be and why?
• How do you define success, and what steps would you take to achieve it?
• If you were given the opportunity to lead a country, what would your first action be?
• What is your vision for a utopian society?
• If you could create a new language, what unique features would it have?
• What would your ideal career look like, and why does it interest you?
• If you could live in any time period, which one would you choose and why?
• How do you think the world will change in the next 50 years?

Open-ended questions for ages 19+

• If you could create your own educational curriculum, what subjects would you prioritize and why?
• How would you promote unity and understanding among people with different backgrounds?
• What qualities do you think make a great leader, and why?
• If you were to develop a new social media platform, what unique features would it have?
• How do you think our relationship with technology will evolve in the future?
• What role do you think art and creativity play in society?
• How can we create sustainable communities for future generations?
• What impact do you hope to make in your lifetime?

Bonus questions for all ages

• If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
• What is one thing you’ve always wanted to learn or try, and what’s holding you back?

Can you think of any open-ended questions a grandma should ask her grandchild(ren)? As always, I would love to hear them! Enjoy this fun and informative time with your grands, and, as always, let’s talk again soon.