50 Eye-Opening Questions to Ask a Child

50 Eye-Opening Questions to Ask a Child

How meaningful questions can spark curiosity, connection, and confidence

As adults, we often think of conversations with children as lighthearted, full of jokes, stories, and imagination. But the right questions can do so much more: they can open windows into a child’s inner world, reveal how they see themselves and others, and help them build emotional intelligence.

Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions isn’t just about getting answers, it’s about listening deeply and showing a child that their thoughts matter. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, these conversations help nurture critical thinking, empathy, and self-expression.

Below are 50 eye-opening questions organized by theme, designed to inspire meaningful dialogue with children of all ages.

🌟 1. Questions About Themselves

Children are constantly figuring out who they are. These questions help them reflect on their values, strengths, and dreams.

1. What makes you feel proud of yourself?

2. What’s something you’re really good at?

3. What’s something you want to get better at?

4. How do you know when you’ve done your best?

5. What do you love most about being you?

6. What kind of person do you want to be when you grow up?

7. What’s one thing that makes you unique?

8. When do you feel the happiest?

9. What do you think your superpower is?

10. What’s a time you surprised yourself by doing something hard?

💭 2. Questions About Feelings and Emotions

Talking about emotions helps children build vocabulary for what they feel, and learn that all feelings are valid.

11. What does it feel like when you’re really happy inside?

12. What helps you feel calm when you’re upset?

13. How do you know when someone else is feeling sad or lonely?

14. What’s something that always makes you laugh?

15. When was the last time you felt proud of yourself?

16. What’s something that makes you nervous?

17. How do you show kindness when someone is having a bad day?

18. What do you do when you need a break from big feelings?

19. If your emotions were colors, what color would you be today?

20. Who helps you feel better when you’re sad?

🌍 3. Questions About the World Around Them

Children are natural observers and philosophers. Encourage curiosity and perspective-taking with questions that make them think beyond themselves.

21. What’s something you’d like to invent to help people?

22. What do you think makes the world a good place?

23. If you could fix one problem in the world, what would it be?

24. What’s something adults could learn from kids?

25. Why do you think people sometimes disagree?

26. How do you know if someone is being treated unfairly?

27. What’s one rule you would make if you were president for a day?

28. What does kindness look like to you?

29. If animals could talk, what do you think they would say about humans?

30. How do you think the world will change in 50 years?

💡 4. Questions About Imagination and Creativity

Creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about thinking differently. These questions invite storytelling and innovation.

31. If you could live in any story, which one would it be?

32. What would your dream playground look like?

33. If your toys came alive at night, what do you think they’d do?

34. What would happen if the sky could change to any color you wanted?

35. What would you invent if you had unlimited materials?

36. If you had a robot, what would you ask it to do?

37. If you could make a brand-new holiday, what would people celebrate?

38. What would your dream house look like?

39. If you could teleport anywhere, where would you go first?

40. What would your superhero name be, and what would your powers do?

💬 5. Questions About Friendship and Relationships

Children learn about empathy and trust through their relationships. These questions promote understanding and cooperation.

41. What makes someone a good friend?

42. How do you like to make new friends?

43. What’s something kind a friend has done for you?

44. What do you do if you see someone being left out?

45. How can you tell if someone is being a true friend?

46. How do you handle it when you and a friend disagree?

47. What makes people feel included?

48. What’s the best way to cheer someone up?

49. How can you show gratitude to people who help you?

50. What do you think makes friendships last a long time?

🪞 Why These Questions Matter

When we take time to ask, and listen, we communicate that a child’s voice has value. This builds:

• Self-esteem, by encouraging reflection on strengths and emotions.

• Emotional literacy, by teaching the language of feelings and empathy.

• Critical thinking, by inspiring curiosity about the world.

• Trust and connection, by showing that you care about their thoughts.

Instead of “yes” or “no” answers, these questions open doors to conversation, ones that help children explore who they are and how they fit into the world.

As child psychologist Dr. Laura Markham puts it:

“When we ask meaningful questions, we don’t just learn about our children, we help them learn about themselves.”

🌈 The Takeaway

The next time you’re at the dinner table, on a car ride, or tucking your child into bed, try asking one of these questions. Don’t rush their answers. Listen, laugh, and let the conversation wander.

You may be surprised at how much insight and wonder they carry inside, waiting for someone to ask.