111 Questions To Ask Your Dad (And What To Do With The Answers)
Your dad is your rock, a constant source of strength and wisdom. He’s been there through thick and thin, guiding you, supporting you, and loving you unconditionally.
As we grow up, we often realize that our dads had a rich life before we entered the scene (hard to believe, isn’t it?).
Understanding your dad as an individual, and not merely as ‘dad’, can be an incredible journey.
Where do you start, you ask? The list of questions to ask your dad below is designed to help you understand your dad on a deeper, more personal level.
These open-ended questions aim to inspire meaningful dialogues and allow your dad to share his life experiences, including a few stories from the ‘good old days’.
You don’t have to ask every question on the list. Some might resonate more with you, some might not apply, and there may be some you might prefer not knowing the answers to.
Remember, this is about your dad, his story, and deepening your understanding of him.
Take it slow, discuss the answers, and savor the time spent together.
When To Ask Your Dad These Questions?
There’s no set rules for when or how to use these questions as conversation starters. You might want to reserve this for special occasions, such as Father’s Day, or your own birthday, as a unique way to start meaningful conversations.
Alternatively, you can ask them anytime you feel like it.
Consider scheduling regular meetups to ask a few questions at a time, sending a daily text with a question and documenting the responses, or using them as conversation starters on a road trip or vacation together.
The ways you can go about this are numerous, but the result is the same: you’ll get to know the incredible man your dad is on a new level.
Questions To Ask Your Dad About Life
1 – What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
2 – Who has been the most influential person in your life?
3 – What accomplishment are you most proud of?
4 – In your opinion, what’s the secret to a satisfying and happy life?
5 – What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?
6 – What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
7 – What’s your most cherished memory?
8 – What are your hopes and fears for the future?
9 – What’s your opinion on the current state of the world?
10 – If you could revisit a specific decade, which one would you choose and why?
11 – If you had a chance to relive a certain moment in your life, which one would it be and why?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Childhood
12 – What was your childhood like?
13 – What’s your fondest childhood memory?
14 – What’s your favorite family tradition? Are there any traditions you hope to continue?
15 – What would you say was the biggest challenge you faced during your childhood?
16 – Who was your closest friend growing up?
17 – What activities did you enjoy as a child?
18 – What things scared you as a kid?
19 – Where did you grow up?
20 – What was your favorite spot as a child?
21 – Who taught you how to ride a bike, swim, etc?
22 – Do you have any siblings? If so, where do you fall in the birth order?
23 – Who was your favorite teacher and why?
24 – What were your hobbies and interests as a child?
25 – Who was the most influential figure in your childhood?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Teenage Years
26 – What were some of the challenges you faced as a teenager?
27 – Who was your first kiss?
28 – What were your aspirations when you were younger? What was your dream job?
29 – What was your favorite subject in school and why?
30 – What was your first job?
31 – Did you have any hobbies or activities you were passionate about?
32 – Did you have a favorite band or artist? What was your favorite song?
33 – How did you spend your summers?
34 – What was the biggest lesson you learned as a teenager?
35 – What was your high school prom like?
36 – Did you ever get in trouble? If so, what was it for?
37 – How did you deal with stress and pressure as a teenager?
38 – Who was your first crush?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Early Adulthood
39 – Where did you go to college/university, if you did? What did you study?
40 – How was your experience in college/university?
41 – Did you ever travel? If so, where was your favorite place?
42 – How did you meet my mom (or your other parent)?
43 – What was your first impression of my mom (or your other parent)?
44 – How was your wedding day?
45 – What was the first big decision you had to make in your adult life?
46 – Did you have any mentors during this time in your life?
47 – What were the most significant changes you experienced during this period?
48 – What was the most important thing you learned in your 20s?
49 – What was your favorite part about your early adulthood?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About Parenthood
50 – What was your first reaction when you found out you were going to be a dad?
51 – What has been your favorite part about being a dad?
52 – What was the most challenging part about being a new dad?
53 – What is your most cherished memory of my childhood?
54 – What did you enjoy most about raising me?
55 – How have you changed since you became a dad?
56 – Is there anything you wish you had done differently as a dad?
57 – What’s the best thing about being a parent?
58 – What’s the hardest thing about being a parent?
59 – What are your hopes for me as your child?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Current Life
60 – How do you like to spend your free time now?
61 – What’s your favorite book and why?
62 – What’s your favorite movie and why?
63 – What’s your favorite hobby now?
64 – How do you stay in shape?
65 – What’s your favorite place to visit these days?
66 – What’s a typical day like for you now?
67 – What are some of your current goals or dreams?
68 – What’s something you’ve learned recently that surprised you?
69 – If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
70 – What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the future?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Career
71 – What was your first job out of school, and what did you learn from it?
72 – How did you decide on your career path?
73 – What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
74 – What has been the most challenging part of your work?
75 – Who was your favorite boss or coworker, and why?
76 – Did you have any pivotal moments in your career that you remember particularly well?
77 – How did you balance work and family life?
78 – What advice would you give me about starting a career or changing careers?
79 – Are there any work-related skills you wish you had learned earlier?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Marriage & Relationships
80 – What qualities did you appreciate most in my mom (or your other parent) when you first met?
81 – Can you share one of your favorite memories from when you were dating?
82 – What’s the secret to a long and happy marriage, in your opinion?
83 – How have you and mom (or your other parent) navigated through challenging times in your relationship?
84 – What’s something that you love about my mom (or your other parent) that others might not know about?
85 – What do you believe is the key to maintaining good relationships with friends and family?
Profound Questions To Ask Your Dad
86 – What are some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in life? How did you overcome them?
87 – What life lessons do you think are the most important to pass on?
88 – What’s your perspective on happiness and how to achieve it?
89 – How do you handle stress and anxiety?
90 – What do you think is the purpose of life?
91 – If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
92 – How has your outlook on life changed as you’ve gotten older?
93 – How do you deal with regrets, if you have any?
94 – What does success mean to you?
95 – What are your thoughts on aging and how to age gracefully?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About His Aspirations & Future
96 – What is something you haven’t done yet but would like to try?
97 – What is a dream or goal that you still have?
98 – What do you look forward to most about retirement, if you’re not already retired?
99 – How would you like to spend more of your time in the future?
100 – Is there a country or place you wish to visit?
101 – What is one thing you want to achieve in the next year?
102 – What’s a skill you’d like to learn?
103 – Are there any books you want to read or movies you want to see?
104 – What are your hopes for your grandchildren (or future grandchildren)?
105 – What’s one change you’d like to see in the world?
Questions To Ask Your Dad About Your Relationship With Him
106 – What is something I have done that you have been proud of?
107 – When was a time when you were challenged most by me?
108 – When I was young, what did you think I would do as an adult?
109 – What is your favourite memory of us together?
110 – What hopes do you have for my future?
111 – What is one thing in life you hope I always remember?
Remember, these questions are meant to encourage conversation and connection. Let the conversation flow naturally, and always be respectful of your dad’s feelings and comfort level.
You can adapt these questions to suit your dad’s personality and your relationship with him. The important thing is to enjoy the process of getting to know him better, deepening your bond, and creating meaningful memories together.
What To Do With The Answers
So, you’ve asked your dad these questions, had some great conversations, and maybe even learned a few surprising things about him. Now what?
Here are a few ways you can cherish and preserve his answers:
- Write them down. Whether it’s in a journal, a notebook, or even a document on your computer, recording his responses ensures these stories and wisdom aren’t lost over time.
- Create a memory book. Compile his answers, along with old photos, letters, or keepsakes, into a scrapbook or a digital photo book. It could even become a treasured family heirloom.
- Record the conversations. With your dad’s permission, you could audio or video record your talks. His voice, laughter, and storytelling will be something you’ll cherish forever.
- Share them with family. If your dad is open to it, share some of his stories with siblings, children, or other family members. It’s a great way to keep family history alive.
- Use his wisdom in your own life. Whether it’s career advice, life lessons, or funny anecdotes, let his words shape and guide you.
The key is to not just hear his words but to truly listen, appreciate, and keep his legacy alive in meaningful ways.
Final Thoughts
These questions aren’t just about getting to know your dad better—they’re about creating moments, strengthening your bond, and cherishing the time you have together.
Whether you ask them over a cup of coffee, during a road trip, or in casual conversation, the important thing is that you’re connecting.
So take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, make the most of the moments you have with your dad. Because one day, these memories and stories will be some of the most precious things you carry with you.
