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One of the greatest joys of being a grandparent is the curiosity of our grandkids. They love to ask questions—sometimes funny, sometimes deep, and sometimes just plain surprising! Our answers give them a window into the past, a sense of family history, and even a few life lessons along the way. Answering their questions with warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor helps build a strong and loving bond.
Each question opens the door to storytelling, laughter, and moments of connection that both grandparents and grandchildren will treasure. Let’s take a closer look at 25 of the most common questions grandchildren love to ask and how we can make our answers meaningful, engaging, and full of love.
1. What was life like when you were my age?
Children love to hear how different things were when we were young. Whether it was playing outside all day, listening to the radio instead of watching TV, or walking to school instead of taking a bus, every little detail fascinates them. They especially enjoy hearing about a world without tablets, video games, and social media.
One way to make it fun is to describe a “day in the life” when we were their age, sharing favorite pastimes, meals, and even chores. They may laugh at how different things were or be amazed at what life was like before modern technology.
We can also encourage them to try a “day without screens” to experience what life was like when we were kids. Playing board games, baking, or doing outdoor activities can make the past come alive in a fun and interactive way.
2. Did you have TV, the internet, or cell phones when you were little?
This question often comes with wide-eyed amazement when they realize we grew up in a world without screens at our fingertips. Sharing stories about gathering around the radio, using a rotary phone, or waiting for our favorite TV show to air once a week can be a fun history lesson.
To add a touch of humor, we can tell them how we had to get up and walk across the room just to change the TV channel or how we sent handwritten letters instead of instant messages. We can also talk about how exciting it was to receive a letter in the mail and the joy of waiting for our favorite TV shows instead of binge-watching an entire series in one day.
3. What kind of games did you play as a child?
Kids love learning about the games we played, especially if they don’t involve screens. Teaching them games like hopscotch, marbles, jacks, jump rope, or hide-and-seek can be a great bonding activity.
We can also tell them about the outdoor adventures we had—climbing trees, riding bikes, building forts, or playing tag until the sun went down. These stories can inspire them to put down their devices and experience the joy of simple, active play.
For a fun activity, we can have a “retro game day” where we teach them all the classic games we used to play and enjoy a day of laughter and movement together.
4. How did you meet Grandma/Grandpa?
Every grandchild loves a good love story, especially if it includes funny or unexpected twists. Whether it was a high school romance, a chance meeting at a dance, or a workplace friendship that turned into something more, sharing how we met our spouse is always a hit.
Including details like what we were wearing, what song was playing, or our first impression of each other makes the story even more captivating. If we still have old love letters or wedding photos, showing them can bring the story to life.
We can even ask them how they imagine meeting their future spouse one day, sparking their imagination and fun discussions about love and relationships.
5. What was my mom/dad like as a kid?
This is always a favorite! Grandkids love hearing funny or heartwarming stories about their parents when they were their age. Whether their mom was a bookworm, their dad was a troublemaker, or they both had adorable quirks, these stories help children see their parents in a new light.
We can share tales of their first words, silly habits, childhood mischief, and proud moments. It’s a great way to strengthen family connections and give kids a glimpse into the past.
6. Did you ever get in trouble when you were young?
Children are always delighted to hear that even their wise, responsible grandparents got into trouble once in a while! Whether it was sneaking extra cookies, talking back to a teacher, or playing pranks on siblings, sharing our childhood mischief makes us more relatable.
Of course, it’s also a chance to share lessons learned, showing them that mistakes help us grow.
7. What’s the best thing about being a grandparent?
This question is an opportunity to remind them just how much we love being their grandparent! Whether it’s getting unlimited hugs, watching them grow, or spoiling them with love and treats, we can express how much they mean to us.
8. What was school like for you?
Kids enjoy hearing about how school has changed over the years. We can tell them about chalkboards, handwritten homework, and strict teachers, as well as subjects we loved or struggled with.
We can even share funny or embarrassing school stories to make them laugh and realize that everyone has school challenges at some point.
9. What’s your favorite memory from your childhood?
This question allows us to share something truly special. Whether it’s a cherished holiday tradition, a favorite pet, or a childhood adventure, these stories help our grandkids feel more connected to us and our past.
10. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the world?
From black-and-white TV to the internet, from handwritten letters to video calls, we’ve seen enormous changes in our lifetime. Grandkids love hearing about these transformations and trying to imagine life before modern conveniences.
11. What was your first job?
Telling them about our first job—whether it was delivering newspapers, working in a shop, or babysitting—helps them understand the value of hard work and responsibility.
12. Have you ever met someone famous?
Even if we haven’t personally met a celebrity, we can tell them about famous people we admired growing up or historical figures we found inspiring.
13. What was your favorite music when you were young?
Playing some of our favorite old songs and maybe even dancing a little can be a fun way to share our love of music!
14. What’s the best advice you ever got?
This question allows us to pass down wisdom, whether it’s about kindness, perseverance, or making good choices.
