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.