5 Meaningful Conversation Starters to Ask This Grandparents Day

Did you know this weekend is Grandparents Day? Launched in 2012, Grandparents Day’s goal is to encourage multigenerational bonding and engagement.

For many of us, our grandparents played an integral role in our upbringing. But, when was the last time you sat down to have a conversation with them about their life?

As you plan your next visit to see your grandparents, set aside time to connect with them on a deeper level by discussing some of life’s most important questions.

To guide the conversation, we outline six conversation-starting questions to ask your grandparents below.

1. What are some of your happiest moments?

Asking your grandma or grandpa this question will give you a better understanding of what experiences have made them most happy in their life. No matter the answer, you’re sure to learn something about them that brings joy to their face, such as gardening, traveling or volunteering.

Use this as an opportunity to let your grandparent know how thankful you are for them. They’ve likely been present for some of your happiest moments in life.

2. What has been your biggest challenge in life?

We’ve all experienced hardships in life that have shaped us into who we are today. Asking this question allows you to see another side of your grandparents. While difficult to discuss at first, you may find that you can relate to one another on a deeper level.

Ask them to explain how they overcame these obstacles. To keep the conversation going, you may also choose to talk about your own personal challenges. Your grandparents can likely give you advice on how to handle the situation.

3. Do you have a bucket list? Which item can we do together?

If your grandparents have a bucket list, it’s possible they have a few things they still want to experience in their lifetime. This question will help you understand what their greatest accomplishments are to date, and what they are looking forward to completing in the future. You never know, you might even be able to help them cross off a special item on their list.

4. What piece of advice do you want to pass along to future generations?

You’d be surprised to learn just how rich your grandparents’ lives are, and how much they have to teach you. Many grandparents are willing to share their wisdom with younger generations. This question gives your grandparents an opportunity to talk about the lessons they’ve learned in life. Listen closely, you can learn a lot.

5. How do you want your legacy to be remembered?

We all want to be remembered for something. We want to feel like our lives meant something, and that a part of us will live on even after we’ve passed. Ask your grandparents what they see as their greatest contributions to the world. Write down their answers, so you can turn to them at a later date. 

Want to create something truly sentimental? Record these conversations to serve as a keepsake even after they’ve passed. Doing so will allow you to document their wit and wisdom, which you can share with future generations to come. 

Explore Even More Conversation Starters

Looking for more questions to ask your grandparents? These questions are just a start. When you download Busch’s Essential Guide to Meaningful Conversations, you’ll get access to 25+ conversation-starting questions to dive into deeper discussions with the people who matter most to you.