30 childhood story prompts

Early memories

• What is the first smell or sound you remember from home?
• Who tucked you in at night, and what did they say?
• What games did you play when you were five or six?
• Describe a time you got in trouble as a kid.
• What made you feel safe when you were little?

School days

• Tell me about your favourite teacher.
• What did recess look like?
• Do you remember learning to read or write your name?
• What was your favourite subject and least favourite?
• Who was your best friend at school?

Family & home

• What traditions did your family keep every year?
• What did dinner time feel like around your table?
• Did you share a room or have a favourite hiding place?
• How did your parents or grandparents show love?
• What chores were you responsible for?

Community & culture

• What was your neighbourhood like when you were growing up?
• Do you remember any local celebrations, fairs, or parades?
• Where did your family go to worship, gather, or celebrate?
• Which songs, foods, or sayings remind you of home?
• Did you speak more than one language? How did that feel?

Turning points

• Tell me about a time you felt really proud of yourself as a kid.
• Who encouraged you to follow a dream?
• What was the hardest decision you made growing up?
• When did you realise your parents were human?
• If you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Just for fun

• What did you spend your allowance on?
• Which toys or gadgets did you love the most?
• Did you have any secret clubs or coded messages?
• What made you laugh so hard you cried?
• Share a story about a pet or imaginary friend.

How to use these prompts

1. Pick 3–4 prompts before you start recording.
2. Show the list to your guest so they can choose what feels best.
3. Record in The Archivist, then tag the people or places you hear.
4. Add any related photos or documents for extra context.
5. Share the finished memory with cousins, siblings, or future generations.