Continuing the Conversation Across Generations 

Bridging the Generational Gap

Guest Contributor Jill Huynh, Licensed Social Worker and Parent Coach for over 20 years

We know that tweens and teens are not always the most communicative. 😉 When you add in a generation gap with their grandparents or another beloved senior, it can be even more challenging.  So, we reached out to Jill Huynh, a licensed social worker and parent coach with 20 years of experience, to help us create effective conversation starters to make your visit exciting and engaging. 

The benefits of these conversations are clear. The senior loves the interaction, and the teen learns something about their elder. As part of Our Commitment, these conversation starters help begin or continue engaging discourse across generations. 

Click here to download these conversation starters!

Relive Childhood Memories

Discussing childhood memories brings up fond feelings for the senior and can help the teen find meaningful ways to relate with them.

• Can you tell me about your earliest childhood memory? 
• Where do you remember most about the home you grew up in? 
• Who was your best friend when you were younger? What kinds of things did you all do 
• together?
• What do you remember most about your parents? 
• Did you ever get into trouble as a kid? 
• What did your bedroom look like when you were a kid? 
• What is your favorite memory about summer break when you were a kid? 

School Days 

Another easy way for tweens and teens to connect with their elders is by discussing school. Despite the gulf in ages, they may be surprised to find how similar their experiences in school actually were.

• What subject did you like best in school?  
• What was your favorite high school memory? 
• What activities or clubs did you join in school? 
• Did you go to homecoming or prom when you were younger? 
• Did you have a lot of homework when you were a kid? 
• Did you go to college? If so, what do you remember most about that time? 
•  

Major Milestones 

Talking about major milestones in life can help younger generations connect with seniors. Everyone had a first date, first car, first breakup, braces, or broken arm; these common significant milestones in life can help generations connect over fond, and sometimes not so fond, memories. 

• Can you tell me about your earliest childhood memory? 
• When did you go on your first date? What was that like? 
• Tell me about your first job. 
• Who taught you how to drive? 
• Did you ever take any trips when you were a kid? If so, what was your favorite one? 
• What was my mom/dad like as a kid? 
• Did my mom/dad ever get into trouble? Tell me about it. 

Just For Fun

Everyone likes to have fun! Whether it's board game night with family, riding bikes with friends, or chatting online, the fun stuff is what makes life meaningful. While the traditions of recreation may be different between generations, everyone likes to have fun. Make some new memories talking about cherished old ones. 

• Did you play any sports when you were younger? Which one did you like best and why? 
• Did you ever get in trouble as a kid? 
• What’s your favorite food? 
• What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? 
• Who was your favorite singer or band growing up? 
• Who did you see at your first concert? Did you go with anyone? 
• Have you ever ridden a roller coaster? Did you like it? 
• What was your favorite tv show growing up? 
• Did you play card games or board games growing up? What was your favorite? 
• Did you have a favorite book as a kid? What was it about?