One day your kid will stop asking you to watch their cartwheel or to carry them. You won’t know it’s the last time.

That’s the hard part about parenting. The big moments feel important, but the small moments are the story, the details that make a great life. Sometimes the best way to hold onto these moments with our kids is simply to ask.

Here are 10 questions every parent should ask before kids grow up.

Try one tonight.

✉️ Get one question like this every Friday

1. What made you laugh today?

Kids remember funny moments in surprising detail.

This question often leads to stories about school, friends, and the little things that brighten their day. Much better than, "Tell me about your day."

2. What is something you wish grown-ups understood about kids?

Their answers can be hilarious (and surprisingly wise!).

3. If our family had a theme song, what would it be?

This one usually sparks singing, debating, and laughter.

4. What is your favorite thing we do together?

This question quietly reveals what moments matter most to them. Sometimes that answer is something so simple that you didn’t realize it meant so much.

Questions like this are woven into mom and me journals like Between Mom and Me for boys and Love, Mom and Me for girls. You get to capture these little answers side by side.

5. If you could invent a holiday, what would we celebrate?

Kids love imagining new traditions. You might even find one worth trying.

6. What do you think you’ll remember about our home someday?

Their answers can stop you in your tracks.

The truth about these 10 questions

Sometimes one small question changes the entire mood of a car ride, bedtime, or dinner table.

And the answers? Those are the moments you remember later!

Don't hold off for the "perfect moment" to start asking. Try tonight.

✉️ Get one question like this every Friday

7. If you could spend an entire day doing anything, what would we do?

This question often reveals what fills their cup right now.

8. What’s something you're really proud of lately?

Kids don’t always talk about their wins unless we ask. It's the question I try to go back to over and over.

9. What do you wish we did more of as a family?

Sometimes the answers are beautifully simple.

“Play outside.”
“Have movie nights.”
“Make pancakes.”

10. What’s something you want to ask me?

This question turns the conversation around. Kids love that. They might have a question right away. They might need to think. Leave the door open.

Want more moments like these?

✉️ Join thousands of families, and get one simple question every Friday. It's an easy way to feel more connected to your kids, even on the busy days.

Together we'll grow the family bond you’ve always dreamed of.

Love,
Katie

P.S. Positive affirmations for kids, The Daily Family Conversation Starter—my book of prompts, and 8 simple ways to connect with your child.