Family · Interviewing

How to Interview Grandparents for a Legacy Video

7 min read Published July 2026
Two generations holding hands beside a blank card on a warm kitchen table.
In short: Interview grandparents slowly, with permission, short sessions, open questions, and room for stories that do not follow your planned outline.

Ask permission twice

First ask whether they are willing to record. Then, when the camera is ready, ask again if they still feel comfortable. Consent should feel current, not assumed.

Explain who may see the recording and where it will be stored.

Keep sessions short

A long interview can be tiring. Twenty to thirty minutes is often enough, especially for older relatives or anyone managing illness.

You can always record another session. Multiple short recordings are easier to watch later than one exhausting file.

Follow the story

Prepare questions, but do not grip them too tightly. If a grandparent lights up while talking about a neighbor, a song, or a small childhood detail, follow that thread.

The best memories are often found slightly off the agenda.

Quick checklist

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Written by the MyFinalMessage Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 2026 · Back to Blog