We all know the experiences we had growing up have a pretty profound effect on the kind of adults we become.
Not everyone is keen to talk about their childhood, but processing the things they went through and opening up about what being a kid was like for someone can really help you get to know them better and understand some of their more confusing or even frustrating qualities/traits. The next time you’re having a heart-to-heart with your partner, here are some questions to ask them about their younger years. Not all of them are super heavy or deep, but they can be just as illuminating!
1. “What was your favourite thing to do as a kid?”
Source: Unsplash This is such an easy way to uncover what really lit them up when they were little. Whether it was climbing trees, drawing, or pretending to be a superhero, their answer can give you a glimpse into their happiest moments. It’s like a little snapshot of what made them feel alive and carefree. Plus, you might end up finding some inspiration for a nostalgic activity you could do together, just for fun.
2. “Did you have a childhood hero?”
Finding out who they looked up to as a kid can tell you a lot about the qualities they admired back then. Maybe it was a family member who always had their back, a teacher who believed in them, or even a fictional character who made them dream big. It’s a sweet way to learn what they valued growing up—and it might even connect to the person they’ve become now.
3. “What’s a memory that always makes you laugh?”
There’s something about reliving the funny moments from childhood that instantly lightens the mood. Maybe it’s a story about a prank gone wrong or a ridiculous outfit they insisted on wearing every day. These kinds of memories tend to bring out their playful, carefree side, and they’re always fun to share. And who doesn’t love a good laugh together?
4. “What was your relationship like with your siblings (or cousins)?”
If they grew up with siblings or cousins, you’ll get a peek into their early family dynamics. Were they thick as thieves, or did they spend more time arguing over who got the last biscuit? These relationships often shaped how they handle conflict, teamwork, and loyalty now. Plus, you’re bound to hear at least one cheeky story about sibling mischief.
5. “What’s a tradition your family had that you loved?”
Family traditions are like little anchors in our childhoods, and hearing about theirs can show you what felt most special to them growing up. Maybe it was a quirky holiday ritual, a weekly takeaway night, or something as simple as a bedtime story. Whatever it was, their answer can help you understand what brought them comfort and joy—and maybe inspire something meaningful for you both to share now.
6. “What was school like for you?”
School can be such a mixed bag of memories—fun moments with friends, awkward first crushes, or maybe a teacher who made a lasting impact. Their answer can give you a sense of how they saw themselves back then and the challenges or victories that shaped them. You might even learn about the kind of kid they were in the classroom—class clown, quiet observer, or somewhere in between.
7. “What was your relationship like with your parents?”
This one can open the door to some really meaningful conversations. It’s not about digging into drama, but about understanding how their parents influenced their childhood and who they are today. Maybe they had a really close bond with one parent or felt a bit misunderstood growing up. Whatever the case, it helps paint a picture of where they came from and how those dynamics shaped them.
8. “Did you have a favourite family pet?”
There’s something about childhood pets that always brings a sparkle to people’s eyes. Whether it was a scruffy dog, a cheeky cat, or even a hamster with a quirky personality, these stories are often heartwarming (and sometimes hilarious). It’s a lovely way to explore some of their most tender memories—and who doesn’t love hearing about a beloved pet?
9. “What’s the first big decision you remember making?”
This question dives into how they handled responsibility as a kid. Maybe it was choosing their first extracurricular activity, deciding to stand up for a friend, or saving up for something special. It’s fascinating to hear how their younger self approached challenges and how their family supported (or didn’t support) those moments. It’s like a little window into their early sense of independence.
10. “What did you want to be when you grew up?”
Kids’ dreams are often wild and wonderful, and hearing about theirs is always fun. Did they want to be a vet, an astronaut, or maybe a pop star? Even if those ambitions didn’t stick, they reveal what excited them and sparked their imagination back then. Sometimes, those dreams still linger in subtle ways, shaping who they are now.
11. “Did you ever have a secret hiding spot or ‘fort’?”
There’s something magical about childhood hideaways. Whether it was a treehouse, a corner of their bedroom, or even a spot under the stairs, these little escapes were like their own private world. Hearing about their fort stories can give you a peek into their creative and adventurous side—and maybe remind them of a time when life felt a little simpler.
12. “What’s a meal or snack you loved as a kid?”
Food memories are so nostalgic, and this question usually brings out some great stories. Maybe it’s about a beloved grandparent’s cooking, a treat they’d beg for at the shops, or something hilariously weird they loved but wouldn’t touch now. Recreating their favourite snack could be a fun surprise—or at the very least, you’ll have a laugh about their childhood cravings.
13. “What’s something you always got in trouble for?”
Every kid has their moments of mischief, and hearing about theirs is bound to be entertaining. Whether it was sneaking biscuits, staying up past bedtime, or talking back to teachers, these stories often reveal a cheeky side of them you might not have seen before. Plus, it’s a chance to share a laugh about the rules they loved to bend.
14. “What was your favourite holiday or celebration growing up?”
Holidays and celebrations are often packed with happy memories, and finding out which ones meant the most to them can be so sweet. Maybe it was Christmas mornings, family birthdays, or a unique tradition that only their family had. These answers can spark ideas for celebrations you could bring into your own life together.
15. “Was there a childhood friend who made a big impact on you?”
Childhood friendships are some of the most meaningful connections we make, and asking about a special friend from their younger years can bring up some lovely memories. It’s a way to understand who supported them, made them laugh, or taught them something important back then. And hearing about those bonds can help you appreciate their friendships today.
16. “What scared you as a kid?”
Childhood fears might seem silly now, but they tell you a lot about what made them feel vulnerable when they were little. Maybe it was the dark, a spooky story, or something totally random. It’s an endearing way to learn how they dealt with fear and who or what helped them feel safe.
17. “What’s a toy or game you were obsessed with?”
Source: Unsplash Every kid has that one toy or game they couldn’t get enough of, and this question is a fun way to dive into their playful side. Maybe it was building with Lego, playing dress-up, or endlessly mastering a video game. These little obsessions often reveal so much about what made them happiest as a kid.
