Building a life
“Did you become a parent? If yes, tell me about the first time you held your child.”
Tips for asking
The room, the hour, the smell of them, what you thought you were holding.
Listen for
Tell me also — if it's true — what it was you weren't prepared for.
More from Building a life
“If your younger self could see you at the end of this chapter — early forties, say, settled or unsettled — what do you think they'd be most surprised by?”
“What was your first proper job, and what did it teach you that school never had?”
“What was your first home as an adult like — the actual rooms, not the address?”