Why Our 50 Questions Are the Easiest Way to Help Your Parents Tell Their Life Story

Helping your parents write their life story doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding conversations you'll ever have. That’s why we created 50 thought-provoking, heartwarming, and fun questions —designed to make the process feel natural and easy for everyone involved. Here’s why it works:

No Pressure. Just Conversation.

Our questions feel like a friendly chat—not a writing assignment. Whether you're talking over coffee, on a phone call, or recording a video, these prompts help memories flow effortlessly.

Unlock Forgotten Stories

Many of the best stories stay buried—until someone asks the right question. From childhood adventures to lifelong lessons, our questions help uncover the gems that deserve to be remembered.

Perfect for Audio or Video Interviews

Not everyone loves writing. These questions are a great guide for recording your parents telling their stories in their own voice and tone—just like sitting around the dinner table.

Easy to Organize, Edit, and Share

Once you’ve gone through the questions, you’ll have the foundation for a full autobiography. Simply upload the stories to your loved one's Mystories.cloud page and bring their journey to life for future generations.

A Bonding Experience

These aren’t just questions. They’re a bridge between generations—opening up conversations, laughter, tears, and gratitude. You’ll come away knowing more about your parents—and yourself.

Here are 50 of the best questions to ask your parents to help them write a compelling, emotional, and detailed autobiography. These questions are grouped by themes to make the storytelling process flow naturally—from childhood to legacy.

Childhood & Family Origins

• 1. Where and when were you born?
• 2. What are your earliest childhood memories?
• 3. What were your parents like?
• 4. Do you remember your grandparents? What were they like?
• 5. What was your childhood home like?
• 6. What kind of games did you play as a child?
• 7. What traditions or holidays were special growing up?
• 8. What kind of food did your family eat regularly?
• 9. Did you have any pets? What were their names?
• 10. What chores or responsibilities did you have as a child?

School Years

1. 11. What schools did you attend?
2. 12. What kind of student were you?
3. 13. Who were your favorite teachers?
4. 14. Did you have a best friend growing up?
5. 15. Were you involved in sports, music, or clubs?
6. 16. Did you ever get into trouble at school?
7. 17. What dreams or goals did you have as a child?

Young Adulthood & Career

18. 18. What was your first job?
19. 19. How did you choose your career path?
20. 20. What job(s) were the most meaningful to you?
21. 21. Did you ever take a big risk in your career?
22. 22. What was a major turning point in your life during your 20s or 30s?
23. 23. Did you serve in the military or do any volunteer work?
24. 24. Did you have a mentor or someone who deeply influenced you?

Love, Marriage & Family Life

25. 25. How did you meet your spouse or partner?
26. 26. What do you remember about your wedding day?
27. 27. What were the early years of marriage like?
28. 28. How did you feel when you first became a parent?
29. 29. What are your favorite memories of raising children?
30. 30. What lessons did you try to teach your children?
31. 31. What was the most difficult part of parenting?

Home & Daily Life

32. 32. What places have you lived, and which felt most like home?
33. 33. What’s a typical day in your life like now versus then?
34. 34. What hobbies or activities have brought you joy?
35. 35. What’s a favorite family tradition you’ve kept or started?
36. 36. Do you have any “house rules” or family mottos?

Beliefs, Challenges & Values

37. 37. What personal values guide your decisions?
38. 38. Have you ever experienced a life-changing hardship?
39. 39. What helped you get through difficult times?
40. 40. Have you ever had a spiritual or religious experience that shaped you?
41. 41. What does faith or spirituality mean to you?

Life Lessons & Reflections

1. 42. What are you most proud of in your life?
2. 43. What do you wish you had done differently?
3. 44. What has life taught you about love?
4. 45. What has life taught you about money?
5. 46. What has life taught you about forgiveness?
6. 47. If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation, what would it be?

Legacy & Final Reflections

48. 48. How would you like to be remembered?
49. 49. What do you hope people say about you at your 100th birthday?
50. 50. Is there a story or memory you’ve never told—but want to now?