It's amazing that sometimes we can know people well, but don't really know anything about their past. Specifically: Grandparents.
During a school assignment last year, my daughter had to interview her grandparents about the music they liked growing up. She learned what styles they liked, what they thought of new artists when they became famous (Elvis), where their first concert was, and even if they danced in school. Eventually, the conversation switched to prom, their wedding, and their days in high school.
She was pretty interested and a bit blown away, actually, at some of the things she heard.
Grandparents Day is this week — the perfect chance for your kids to "interview" grandma and grandpa and learn some interesting facts!
 kate_sept2004 via Canva |
Here are 25 questions to help get your kids started on an interview with grandma and grandpa:
- What was your bedroom like growing up?
- Did you have stuffed animals or special toys you played with?
- Did you have pets? What kind?
- Did you fight with siblings?
- What were your favorite foods as a kid?
- What is your first school memory?
- Do you remember any of your teachers or have a favorite?
- Did you go on vacation and where do you remember going?
- Did you like or play sports?
- What music did you listen to? Who was your favorite singer/band?
- When did you get a TV and what did you watch?
- Did you ever go to another country?
- Who were your best friends and what do you remember doing with them?
- How did you meet _____ (your spouse, best friend, etc.)?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- What were holidays like growing up?
- What do you wish you did as a kid but never got to do?
- Did you have any idols?
- What wars did you live through? What was that like?
- What was your wedding like?
- What was it like when you had your first baby?
- What was your first car?
- What was your first job?
- Did you go to college?
- What were your parents like?
Oh, there are so many more questions they can ask! But these are a great starting point. I'm sure your kids will remember this conversation forever.
If you're present during the conversation, you may learn a thing or two yourself! I was shocked to learn that my father snuck into a wedding when he was about 20. Ha!
It just gives you a new perspective and also reminds you that no matter how old people get, they were kids once too.
Grandparents have rich experiences to share. Don't let your kids miss out on these fun and worthwhile conversations — it'll bring your kids and their grandparents closer than ever.
Happy Grandparents Day!
