Spending time with your grandparent is a gift—but let’s be honest, it can sometimes be hard to keep the conversation flowing beyond “How’s the weather?” or “How’s your back?” (spoiler: it still hurts). The truth is, they’ve lived through decades of history, change, and probably a few questionable fashion trends. All you need are the right questions to unlock some amazing stories.
Ditch Small Talk, Go for Stories
Instead of asking how they’re doing (which usually gets a polite “oh, I’m fine, sweetie”), try questions that invite storytelling and reflection:
- What did you want to be when you were a kid?
- What was your first car?
- Did you ever get in trouble at school?
- Who did you look up to when you were younger?
- What was your first job?
- What was dating like back then?
- What’s one thing you wish young people understood?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
You might be surprised by what comes out—wild stories, forgotten family history, or just really solid advice about life (and pie crusts).
So next time you’re with your grandparent, ask with curiosity. They’ll feel valued, and you’ll walk away with more than just a good chat.
