Regular readers of my blog will know we’ve been asking our daughter, Flora, the same 20 birthday quiz questions every year, since she was three years old. And on 8th March, coincidentally also International Women’s Day, our gorgeous, funny, kind, clever, loving, beautiful, not-so-little star is going to be 16 years old. Almost an adult – how is this possible?
Why Do We Ask the Same 20 Birthday Quiz Questions Every Year?
Because it’s fun! I actually found the original birthday questions and answers idea on Pinterest before she was born, and it’s now a favourite family tradition. What you do is keep all your child’s answers each year, along with a birthday photograph, in a folder to share with them when they turn 18. They can then look back on their responses through the years, tracking their tastes, loves, and ambitions on their journey from child to adult.
What Did Our Birthday Girl Say Last Year?
Last year reaffirmed her dedication to all things aviation. As the nearest flight school is some 60 minutes drive from us, and as the cost of flying lessons is prohibitive, lessons have paused for the time being. Also because she’s sitting her GCSEs this summer and needs to focus on that. But she’s already looking at apprenticeships with airline companies, and universities with links to local airfields, so I have no doubt she’ll attain her Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) in due course.
What Does Our Birthday Girl Say This Year?
Her answers to these 20 birthday quiz questions feature some new animal favourites (she now has three fish tanks, each with their own ecosystems, although I’m still not sure how she wangled that), and a new favourite holiday destination, based on a fabulous two weeks last year.
| 1. What is your favourite colour? | Turquoise. |
| 2. What is your favourite toy/comforter? | Gary the Bee (thanks, IKEA). |
| 3. What is your favourite fruit? | Mango or Passion Fruit. |
| 4. What is your favourite tv show/film? | How To Train Your Dragon*. |
| 5. What is your favourite thing to eat for lunch? | Bagel. |
| 6. What is your favourite outfit? | Flared jeans and a nice top. |
| 7. What is your favourite game? | Bananagrams*. |
| 8. What is your favourite snack? | Olives & Crackers. |
| 9. What is your favourite animal? | Honey Gourami or Betta (fishes). |
| 10. What is your favourite song/music? | Can’t choose! |
| 11. What is your favourite book? | We’ll Prescribe You A Cat*. |
| 12. Who is your best friend? | Can’t choose! |
| 13. What is your favourite cereal? | Apricot Wheaties. |
| 14. What is your favourite thing to do outside? | Have a picnic or go for a walk. |
| 15. What is your favourite drink? | Peach Iced Tea. |
| 16. Where is your favourite holiday destination? | Gozo (Malta’s little sister island). |
| 17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? | Gary the Bee and water. |
| 18. What is your favourite thing to eat for breakfast? | Poached Eggs & Avocado on Toast. |
| 19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? | Spinach & Feta Filo Parcels. |
| 20. What do you want to be when you grow up? | Pilot. |
20 Birthday Quiz Questions and Answers – Our Family Tradition
The last 12 months have been very GCSE-focused – choosing her options, changing her options, and revising for two sets of mocks (one last November and another set last month). And choosing a beautiful dress for Prom, once it’s all over. She’s still cooking dinner a couple of times a week too – Smash Burgers, Puff Pastry Pizza, and Frittata are a few of our favourites. And once again, she got to sit in the Captain’s seat in the aeroplane, thanks to a slightly delayed take off on the way back home from our holiday in Gozo. Doesn’t she look at home there? 🙂
She’s become more and more independent – selling her old clothes (and some of mine) on Vinted, catching the bus on her own to head into town to meet up with friends, running her own Instagram account (mainly for make up and hair tips, and fish keeping advice), and digging around for answers to questions rather than just asking me or Alan.
And she still has an incisive grasp of current world affairs that not many adults have, let alone someone her age. We’re so proud of how she can easily hold her own in any debate, either with her peers, her teachers, or other adults, by putting forward well-researched and thoughtful arguments.
I just cannot believe she’s turning 16 already. And we’re so excited to see what she’ll she’ll do next, and how far she’ll go in the next 12 months. I always say we’re so privileged to have you, Ning, because it’s true. Happy birthday, darling Flora, you are our brightest and our best. 🌟
Did your parents ever carry out birthday quizzes like this with you? Or do you have any other birthday rituals that you celebrate each year? What do you think of our annual family tradition?
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Happy early birthday to Flora 🎉 This is a great tradition to have, and it is awesome that she still wants to get her private pilot’s license.
Also, I read We’ll Prescribe You A Cat in January, and it is a great book!
Thank you, Karalee, that’s very kind – also for the recommendation, I’ll have to read the book now too!
Not gonna lie. Mango is a good favorite fruit!
Yes, it is 🙂
Happy birthday to her!
I love reading this yearly answers from her. It’s so wonderful to see how she is changing and growing. It’s also interesting to see that her tastes change too, like a different fruit and drink.
Thank you, Anca! Yes, I love looking back on her earlier answers, so much has changed. 🙂