The Art of How to Talk to Your Grandchildren – 30+ Free Activities and Conversations to Get You Started

As an Amazon Services LLC Associate, some of these items contain affiliate links, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are made to be genuinely helpful and useful.

Spending time with our grandkids, whether in person or virtually, never gets old. Even if we get to interact for just a short time, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation that helps strengthen that special bond between grandparent and grandchild. Whether we have a few minutes or an extended period of time, mastering the art of how to talk to your grandchildren with conversation starters helps get the communication going.

Why Activities Start the Best Conversations

Some of the best conversation starters are actually activities! Kids are more likely to engage in conversation during activity, and there are several reasons for that, including:

1. Reduced Pressure – when kids are involved in an activity, it takes away the pressure that can be felt during a more ‘formal’ conversation.
2. Shared Focus – when both grandparents and grandkids are able to focus on something besides a conversation, interactions will feel much more normal and less forced all around.
3. Nonverbal Communication: Activities often involve nonverbal communication, such as hand gestures, expressions, and body language. This can enhance the communication between generations and help convey ideas and emotions. Communication is definitely more than words!
4. Natural Breaks: Many activities have natural breaks, such as pausing to choose a color, molding a new part of a Play-Doh dreation, or deciding which part of a Lego structure to build next. These pauses can create opportunities for conversation, showcasing the art of how to talk to your grandchildren.
5. Interest and Engagement: When our grandkids are doing something they enjoy, they are more likely to be engaged in the moment and eager to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with us.
6. Problem-Solving and Creativity: Activities like art and craft projects often involve problem-solving and creativity, which can lead to discussions about how to approach the activity, make decisions, and how a design was created.

Categories of Activities to Try

If you are wondering which activities to try, we’ve got you covered! There are lots of activities that can serve as conversation with grandchildren, demonstrating the art of how to talk to your grandchildren. Try some of the following. Many are adaptable to use even if you are connecting from a distance.

1. Coloring and Drawing (a personal favorite of ours!):
   • Provide coloring books and crayons, and ask about their favorite colors or what they’re drawing.
   • Share stories related to the images they’re coloring or creating and ask about their interpretation of their artwork.
2. Crafts and DIY Projects:
   • Work on simple craft projects like making greeting cards or friendship bracelets together.
   • Discuss design choices, creative ideas, and the purpose of the project.
3. Cooking or Baking:
   • Involve grandkids in age-appropriate cooking or baking tasks and discuss the recipe, ingredients, and techniques.
   • Talk about family recipes or food-related traditions.
   • READ: Making Memories with Grandchildren – 8 Age Appropriate Tips for Success in the Kitchen
4. Gardening:
   • Plant flowers or vegetables together and talk about the plants, their growth, and the natural world.
   • Share stories about gardening experiences and family gardens from the past.
5. Reading Aloud:
   • Choose a book to read together and discuss the characters, plot, and their opinions about the story. (For older kids you could read a chapter of a book every week).
   • Ask questions about their favorite books and characters.
6. Building with Blocks or LEGOS:
   • Build structures together and discuss the design, construction, and imaginative stories behind them.
   • Encourage them to explain their creations.
   • Are you connecting virtually? Buy yourself a set of Legos – that way you can still build ‘together’!
7. Nature Walks:
   • Go for a walk in a park, garden, or nature reserve, and observe the environment.
   • Talk about the plants, animals, and natural wonders you encounter.
8. Puzzles and Board Games:
   • Play board games or complete puzzles while having conversations about strategy and competition.
   • Talk about favorite games and memorable game moments.
9. Science Experiments:
   • Conduct simple science experiments at home and discuss the principles and outcomes.
   • Encourage questions and curiosity about the natural world.
10. Music and Sing-Alongs:
    • Sing songs or play musical instruments together, encouraging conversations about favorite songs, music, and lyrics.
    • Share stories about music-related experiences in your life.
11. Holiday and Seasonal Activities:
    • Participate in holiday or seasonal activities like decorating for holidays, carving pumpkins, or making valentines.
    • Talk about the significance and history of these traditions.

Remember to adapt these activities to your grandchild’s age and interests. The key is to provide a comfortable and engaging environment that naturally encourages conversation and quality time together.

Natural Conversation Starters While Playing

• Ask About Their Creations:
  • “Tell me about the picture you’re coloring. What’s the story behind it?”
  • “What are you making with the Play-Doh today? It looks really interesting.”
• Share Your Own Memories:
  • “I used to love coloring when I was your age. Do you have a favorite color or crayon?”
  • “Did you know I used to make all sorts of shapes with Play-Doh too? What’s your favorite thing to create with it?”
• Ask Open-Ended Questions:
  • “If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?”
  • “What’s the best part of being a kid? I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
• Discuss Their Interests:
  • “I heard you love [mention their favorite hobby or character]. Can you tell me more about it?”
  • “What’s your favorite book or movie right now? Why do you like it so much?”
• Share Family Stories:
  • “Let me tell you a funny story about when your mom/dad was your age.”
  • “Do you know about our family’s traditions and history? I’d love to share some stories with you.”
• Talk About Their Dreams:
  • “What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?”
  • “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go, and what would you do there?”
• Discuss Current Events and News:
  • “Have you heard about [mention a recent event]? What do you think about it?”
  • “What’s something interesting you learned in school recently?”
• Encourage Creativity and Problem Solving:
  • “How do you decide which colors to use in your drawing?”
  • “If you could invent a new Play-Doh shape or toy, what would it be?”
• Express Gratitude:
  • “I’m so lucky to spend time with you like this. What’s your favorite thing about being with your grandparents?”
  • “I love these moments together. What’s your favorite thing about spending time with me?”
• Listen Actively:
  • Give your grandchild your full attention, and show genuine interest in what they’re saying. This will make them feel valued and encourage them to share more.

By understanding how to talk to your grandchildren through engaging interactions, you not only create cherished memories but also foster a strong bond. You got this! Happy Connecting!