100+ mealtime questions

• What does a perfect Christmas Day look like for you?
• What’s one event or activity that’s really important to you in the lead up to Christmas?
• If you could instantly become an expert on just one topic, what topic would you choose? Why that one?
• What questions do you ask yourself when you’re deciding if you should buy an item?
• What kinds of attitudes and actions show that a teen is mature enough to start dating?
• What phrase, either weird or ordinary, is Mom or Dad always saying? 
• Imagine you could run a contest and offer any prize at all. What would the prize be? What would people have to do to win it?
• What would you say to a young child who made a mistake? Would you tell yourself the same thing if you made a mistake? Why not?
• Mom and dad, share about a time you were proud of each of your children.
• If smartphones suddenly became illegal for kids under 16, what aspects of smartphones would kids miss most? What do you think they might gain?
• What’s your favourite Christmas memory?
• Can you think of four gifts you can give that would make someone happy? (The kind of gifts that can't be bought in a store.)
• What do you think kids your age worry about the most?
• When you think about growing up, what are you looking forward to most about being an adult?
• Ask Mom or Dad about a time when they were disciplined as a kid. Do you think it was fair?
• Pretend someone just asked you “What is the Bible about? I've never read it.” What would you tell them?
• What do you think is the perfect age? Why do you think that age is the best?
• What summer jobs did Mom and Dad have a student? What was their first job after graduation? Ask them and find out!
• What do you think it means in 1 Corinthians 13 where it says that love "does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth"?
• What would you do for someone who saved your life? How would you try to thank them?
• When you have a big job to do, what do you say to yourself to motivate yourself to work hard?
• Satan tries to deceive us with lies to make us forget that God loves us, and forget that obeying God is important. What kinds of lies does he try to trick you with?
• Have you ever felt like God was talking to you, in your heart? What did he say?
• At Christmastime, what family activity most helps you remember that Christmas is really about Jesus’ birth?
• What would you enjoy most about living in a big city? And in a small town? And on a farm?
• What's the most difficult decision you've ever had to make? What helped you decide?
• Why do you think it's important to try to see things from another person's point of view?
• What is your favourite outdoor activity?
• In what ways are you like your parents? In what ways are you very different from your parents?
• It's okay for parents to check their kids' phones. Do you agree or disagree?
• Share one thing you like about yourself.
• Do you think Valentine's Day puts pressure on kids and teens? In what ways?
• What's one of your favourite memories from your childhood?
• What extra task could you take on to help out during this busy Christmas season?
• What's your favourite Christmas song?
• What questions do you have about God?
• Share about a time when you felt really nervous. How did things turn out in the end?
• Sudbury, ON, has a giant nickel and Sydney, NS, has a giant roadside squid! What weird roadside attraction would you create for your hometown?
• Share something encouraging someone once said to you. Why did it mean so much?
• What type of novels do you like to read: mystery, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, history, romance? What appeals to you about those genres?
• Which fictional character do you most want to be like?
• What’s your favourite thing about Grandma? And Grandpa?
• How do you think Jesus wants us to honour and celebrate Easter?
• What does loving others mean in sports and competitions? Should we let others win? How does love change our attitude to competing?
• If you suddenly felt angry with someone, what could you do to stay calm?
• What do you think your friends are learning from you?
• How can Mom and Dad better support you with your schoolwork and homework?
• What qualities does a person need to be a good friend?
• Ask Mom and Dad about the neighbourhoods they grew up in. What did they like best about their home? What did they like to do in the summertime?
• What three things can you give thanks for, to help you switch from grumpy to grateful?
• What will be your best memory of this time of staying at home?
• One day people will ask about your memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. How have you helped make this time better for someone?
• What’s one thing you think boys don’t understand about girls? What’s one thing girls don’t understand about boys?
• What kind of music best describes how you're feeling right now - or which song in particular?
• What's your favourite Bible story, and what do you like best about it?
• Have you ever had to stand up to someone at school who was being mean to you, or to someone else? What did you say?
• What's one thing parents could do (or stop doing) to help kids enjoy their sports activities more?
• What's the greatest or most worthwhile thing you've ever done? Was it an easy thing to do, or was it hard?
• Do you sometimes feel impatient to grow up? What are you looking forward to?
• When do you feel most connected to God? Is it when you are out in nature? When you hear a worship song? Something else?
• What's your favourite thing to do with your brother? And with your sister?
• Do you procrastinate a lot? What's your most frequent reason for procrastinating?    
• What's your favourite thing we do together as a family?  
• What do you want to be different this year?  
• Can you think of some Bible verses that talk about Jesus' birth? Do you have a favourite?  
• Tell us about one of your biggest "aha!" moments - a realization that made a difference. 
• Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." What's your favourite metaphor for Jesus in the Bible?  
• If you could design your own phone app, what would it do?  
• When you pray, how do you picture God or Jesus in your mind?  
• Tell us two things that happened to you today that are true, and one that is false. We'll try to guess which one is false.  
• Name someone famous who is a Christian. What interests you about their life?  
• Of all the school assignments you’ve completed so far this year, which one are you most proud of?  
• If you had been with the disciples on Easter morning, would you have found it hard to believe that Jesus had come back to life?  
• Outside of our immediate family, which of our relatives do you feel closest to?  
• If a friend asked you, Why do you believe in Jesus?, what would you tell them?  
• If you were Adam or Eve, do you think Satan could have convinced you to eat the forbidden fruit? How else might Satan have tempted you to disobey God?
• Would you like to be on a reality TV show? Which one? Do you have an idea for a new reality TV show?
• Should we feel bad that we live in comfort when others don’t?
• Have you ever been lost? Tell what happened.
• When you're feeling frustrated, what helps you to calm down?
• Do we ever use our cellphones in ways that seem rude to you or that make you feel unimportant?
• Why does it matter whether or not Jesus rose from the dead?
• Have you ever been falsely accused? (Continue with a discussion of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, if you wish.)
• What does the Bible mean when it says we should fear God?
• What surprises you most about Jesus?
• What's the biggest thing you are trusting God for right now?
• What's your latest, greatest, favourite worship song?
• How do you like people to show that they love you or appreciate you?
• Name one special family activity you’d like to do in the remaining days of summer vacation.
• How can we do better as a family at praying for one another?
• God’s Word talks about handling failure well. Can you recall some of the things it says about that? (For starters, see Hebrews 10:36.)
• Do you sometimes find yourself daydreaming when you’re supposed to be paying attention? Is it hard for you to stop daydreaming? What kinds of things do you daydream about?
• What does hope mean? How does God give us hope? How do we pass it on to others?
• What do you like best about going to our church?
• What would you like your best friend to be able to say about you four years from now?
• What does it mean to have a calling from God? Does every Christian have a calling?
• Can complaining sometimes be helpful? How does complaining affect others?
• How did you help someone today, and how did someone help you?
• Have you had an answer to prayer lately? Tell what happened.
• How many names for Jesus can you think of (e.g. Good Shepherd, Light of the World, King of Kings, Bridegroom)? Which is your favourite and why?
• If you had the power (like Cinderella's fairy godmother), what wish would you make come true for someone in our family other than yourself?
• What would be a nice way to tell someone you noticed them doing something wrong?
• Do you know why Mom / Dad decided to follow Christ? Would you like to hear the details?
• Suppose you have no one to play with at school. What could you say or do to start a friendship?
• Isaiah 64:8 says we are the clay and God is the potter. What do you think that means? How does God want to re-shape you today?
• If you were asked to design a new theme park ride for Disneyland, what would your ride be like?
• If you could travel back in time to give your "earlier" self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
• What thought inspires you to be generous?
• Do you think one person can make a difference in the world?
• What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do that is hard, or that you haven't ever done before?
• Do you find it hard to apologize? Why do you think it's so hard/easy?
• Can you speak with a fake foreign accent? Let's try it!
• What do you want to be like when you grow up? How do you hope people will describe you?
• What's the nicest "I love you" moment you can recall from this week?
• What is the funniest word you've ever heard?
• When you are tempted to do something you know is wrong, what helps you stand strong and not do it?
• Would you have liked to spend 40 days and nights in the ark with Noah's family and the animals? How would you have passed the time?
• What day of this past year would you like to live all over again?
• We shouldn't judge people by appearances. Does that mean we don't need to pay attention to our own appearance?
• When you are worried or afraid, what thought helps you to calm down?
• How do you like to wind down at the end of the day or reward yourself after working hard?
• Do you think that the things you see and the things you think about eventually influence how you behave? Why or why not?
• Pretend you were asked to create a new annual celebration that marked a special Biblical event. What would you celebrate, and how would you celebrate it?
• What are your three greatest strengths?
• If your friend asked you How do I become a Christian? what would you tell them?
• If you could own one of the biggest and best collections in the world, what would you like to collect?
• Does faith grow all on its own, or is it something you have to work at? How can you increase your faith?
• Let's pretend you joined the circus and were offered any job you wanted! Which job would you choose?
• When you are talking to someone, how do you know they are really listening? What should you do if you suspect they aren't listening?
• What's the best gift you've ever given someone? What made it such a great gift?
• What do you think parents often misunderstand about kids today?
• If you had to give up something, what would you have the hardest time giving up?
• Who do you most enjoy having to play at our house? What good manners make you a guest others love to invite over?
• What could you do tomorrow as a special "love offering" to God?
• What's a good way to respond when someone compliments you?
• What's a good way to respond when someone criticizes you?
• How do you know your parents love you? How do they show it?
• What thought lifts your spirit when you feel discouraged?
• What's the best thing about being a kid/tween/teen?
• What does integrity mean? Why is it important?
• Which Bible passage often brings you close to tears?
• What is honour? Can you think of an example of someone acting honourably?
• Name a costume or an item of clothing you'd love to have a chance to wear.
• What do you like to daydream about?
• What's your favourite summer memory?
• What important life lesson have you learned the hard way?
• If you could make your own movie, what would it be about? Where would you set it?
• What are the most important elements to include in a sincere apology?
• If I gave you a "thank you" card right now, who would you send it to? Why?
• If someone is mean to you or treats you unfairly, how would you respond?
• Why is it important not to give up on something just because it's hard to do?
• Why do you think it’s important that we remember Jesus’ birthday each year?
• What are some ways our family can show generosity to others?
• If you could set up a reading nook or homework corner anywhere in the house, where would it be and how would you make it comfortable?
• If you could be a teacher, what subject would you teach and how would you make learning fun?
• What are your favourite ways to relax and unwind?
• What special qualities does it take to be a good dad?
• Is there anything you’re afraid to try or do, and if so, what are your fears?
• If you could be a missionary anywhere in the world, which country would you choose, and why?
• What does it mean to be a “new creation in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17)?
• What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish this year?
• Where should Mom and Dad go for their next date?
• What’s the most hilarious dream you’ve ever had?
• If you wanted to talk to a friend about Jesus, how would you start?
• How do you define successful?
• What’s the most interesting website you’ve visited this week?
• Can you guess how Mom and Dad first met?
• What matters to you the most when you’re at school?
• If you could be a character from a book, who would you be and why?
• What is your favourite part about the Easter story?
• What would you like to go back and change about today?
• What do you hope to do or learn this year?
• How would you help a friend who needs encouragement?
• What's the most important thing people need to know about God?
• What does it mean to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)?
• What’s your favourite thing about back-to-school time?
• In what way do you think you are most like Jesus?
• If you could have any wild animal in the world as a pet, which animal would you choose, and why?
• What are you looking forward to most during summer vacation?
• What’s your favourite book and why do you like it?
• What are some ways you can help unpopular or “different” kids in your class feel accepted?
• What's the first thing you would do if you were elected Prime Minister of Canada?
• If you could be a superhero, what kind of power would you have?
• If you could be an explorer for National Geographic, what area of the world would you most like to explore?
• If you could choose your own nickname, what would it be?
• If you were given one chance to travel back in time, what event would you like to see?
• What is one question you are looking forward to asking God?
• If you could invent one thing to make life easier for people, what would you invent?
• When you grow up and have children, what will your kids like most about their uncles and aunts (i.e. your brothers and sisters)?
• If you could plan the kids' menu for a restaurant, what dishes would you serve?
• What is one thing you prayed about today?
• If your friend was ill and confined to bed, name three things you could do to brighten their day.
• If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
• If you were asked to organize a field trip for your class, where would you take them?
• What are some meaningful ways to show love to others?
• If you had a time-machine, would you go to the future or the past; and why?
• What are your dreams for the future?
• Can you think of some fun ways to bless others - like your teacher, our pastor or our neighbours?
• What do you think Jesus was like as a little boy?
• What's your favourite holiday and why?
• If you were to write a book, what kind of story would it be?
• What's the best way to spend a rainy day?
• How do you think we could become closer as a family?
• Why do you think God loves us so much?
• If you could celebrate your birthday in any way you like, what would you do?
• What's the best compliment you've ever received?
• How do you think God wants us to respond to difficult people?
• What's your favourite thing about fall?
• What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
• Who are your heroes?
• What do you think is the best way to make friends?
• What kinds of things do you daydream about?
• If you could be someone else for one day, who would you be?
• What’s your biggest challenge at school?
• What’s your best family memory?
• Who is the funniest person you know?
• What would you like to be better at?
• What gifts or talents do you think God has given you?
• What’s your favourite thing about Grandma and/or Grandpa?
• What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
• Has God been teaching you anything new lately?
• If you could learn a new skill or talent, what would it be?
• Do you want to have a family of your own someday? Why or why not?
• What do you think it would have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples?
• What’s the best dream you’ve ever had?
• Is there anyone at school or church that you look up to or want to be like? If so, why?
• Why do you think God created families?
• Who is your best friend and what makes him or her so special?
• What do you think your biggest fear is?
• What’s your favourite Bible story, and what do you like best about it?
• What other countries in the world would you like to visit someday?
• Is there anybody at your school who’s new or seems to be left out a lot?
• What do you think an angel does all day?
• What’s your favourite hobby or interest?
• If you could fly, where would you go and what would you want to see?
• What do you like best about our family, and how can we make our family even better?
• What was the best part of your day today?
• What would you say to God if He were sitting here at dinner with us?
• What are your favourite and least favourite subjects at school?
• What do you want to be or do when you grow up?
• What do you think are good ways to talk to your friends about Jesus?
• Who’s your favourite teacher at school, and what do you like best about him/her?
• What’s your funniest joke or story?
• What are you learning in Sunday school or youth group?
• What’s your favourite family tradition?
• What do you like most about Christmas?
• What extra task could you take on to help out during this busy Christmas season?
• What Christmastime activity are you most looking forward to (other than opening presents)?
• This Christmas, what gift or blessing could we give our pastor, to let him know how much we appreciate him and his family?
• What’s your favourite part of the Christmas story?

Related reading: