Questions to ask your parents on a walk

Ask as an adult getting to know another adult

You may know your parent mainly through family routines. A question can make room for an interest, a friendship or a memory that does not usually come up. Start with something you would be comfortable answering yourself.

These are original prompts for adult children and parents, including a mother, father or another person who has had that role in your life. Either person can pass on a question. Ask permission before recording a story or sharing it with relatives.

For an ordinary week

1. What have you enjoyed lately that I might not know about?
2. Is there a place nearby you have been meaning to show me?
3. What is a small part of your week you would happily repeat?
4. Have you learned or tried anything new recently?
5. What sort of catch-up would you most enjoy next time?

Follow the detail that catches your attention. A simple answer about a garden or a book can be a whole conversation.

For a memory they want to share

6. Where did you like spending time when you were younger?
7. Who taught you something you still use today?
8. Which ordinary day from years ago do you remember clearly?
9. What was a small adventure that surprised you?
10. Is there a place you would like to revisit with me?

Let a memory be their version of the day, even when yours differs. You do not need to resolve every detail during a relaxed outing.

For interests beyond the family news

11. What could you happily spend an afternoon finding out more about?
12. Which recommendation have you been glad you tried?
13. Is there a skill you would enjoy showing me, or learning together?
14. Who outside the family has influenced something you enjoy?
15. What would you choose for a free afternoon just now?

Share an interest of your own too. The aim is to learn a little about each other, rather than collect a complete life history.

For the next small plan

16. Would you rather explore somewhere new or return to a familiar place?
17. What would make our next outing easier to arrange?
18. Is there something we could enjoy doing from different places?
19. What would you like us to make time for this month?
20. Which of today's ideas shall we actually put in the calendar?

You can send a question in a voice note after a separate walk. A later reply is fine when you have agreed that there is no hurry.

Let everyday walks give you another conversation

We make Tandem Trails for two iPhone walkers. A parent and adult child can combine their Apple Health walking distances on a virtual route, with postcards and digital keepsakes to discover along the way.

See the shared trail for two relatives. Every question here also works without an app, a walking target or a route planned in advance.