42 Questions to Help Your Grandchildren Open Up About Their Feelings

Do you ever wish you had a magic key to unlock your grandchildren’s hearts and get them to open up about their feelings? Well, I may not have a magic key, but I do have the next best thing: 42 conversation starters that will help you connect with your grandkids on a deeper level and create a safe space for them to share their emotions.

For the Little Ones (Ages 4-7):

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
2. What makes you feel happy when you’re having a bad day?
3. If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?
4. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really proud of yourself?
5. What do you think is the most important thing in the world?
6. If you could make one wish come true, what would it be?
7. What’s the funniest thing that happened to you this week?
8. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
9. What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
10. Can you tell me about a time when you felt scared or worried?

For the Middle Years (Ages 8-12):

11. What’s the best part about being your age?
12. If you could change one thing about school, what would it be and why?
13. What’s something that you’re really good at doing?
14. Can you tell me about a time when you felt left out or lonely?
15. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
16. What’s the most challenging thing about growing up?
17. If you could create your own holiday, what would it be and how would you celebrate it?
18. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really angry or frustrated?
19. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life so far?
20. If you could give one piece of advice to other kids your age, what would it be?

For the Teen Years (Ages 13-18):

21. What’s the biggest challenge you face as a teenager?
22. If you could have any career in the world, what would it be and why?
23. What’s something that you’re passionate about or that really matters to you?
24. Can you tell me about a time when you felt misunderstood or judged by others?
25. If you could go back in time and change one decision you made, what would it be and why?
26. What’s the most important quality you look for in a friend?
27. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really stressed or overwhelmed?
28. What’s your biggest fear or worry about the future?
29. If you could have one wish granted for someone else, who would it be and what would you wish for them?
30. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your parents or grandparents?

For All Ages:

31. What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
32. If you could have any job in the world for just one day, what would it be and why?
33. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to or seen?
34. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really loved or appreciated?
35. If you could have any three wishes granted, what would they be?
36. What’s the funniest joke you’ve ever heard?
37. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really brave or courageous?
38. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned outside of school?
39. If you could be any age for just one day, what age would you choose and why?
40. What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen in nature?
41. Can you tell me about a time when you felt really grateful for something or someone?
42. What’s the most important thing you want to accomplish in your life?

The key to using these conversation starters is to listen with an open heart and without judgment. Your grandchildren may not always have the words to express their feelings, but by creating a safe and loving space for them to share, you’re giving them a priceless gift. So go ahead and start asking those questions – you may be surprised at the depth and wisdom that your grandkids have to offer. And if all else fails, just break out the milk and cookies – a little sweet treat never hurt when it comes to heart-to-heart conversations!