Family Discussion Guides
The best stories don't end when the audio stops. These questions help parents and children unpack the deeper meaning of each TrueTales series together.
Play a TrueTales story at bedtime, in the car, or during lunch.
Choose questions suited to your child's age. Let them lead the answers.
The final question in each guide bridges the story to your child's world today.
Founding Fathers Series
Washington · Jefferson · Franklin · Madison · Hamilton · Adams
- Who was your favorite person in the story, and why do you like them?
- The founder in this story worked very hard. What is something you work hard at?
- They had to be brave even when they were scared. Can you think of a time you were brave?
- The founders disagreed with each other often. How did they work through disagreement? What can we learn from that today?
- What personal sacrifice did the founder in this story make for the country? Do you think it was worth it?
- Jefferson wrote "all men are created equal" yet the reality of that time was complicated. Why is it important to hold on to an ideal even when reality falls short?
- If you could ask this founder one question about America today, what would it be?
"The founders risked everything they had to build something they believed in. What is something you believe in so strongly that you would sacrifice for it?"
Faith & Courage Series
Moral conviction · Principled sacrifice · Spiritual resilience
- The person in the story prayed / trusted God when things were hard. What do you do when you feel scared?
- They helped someone who needed help. Who can you help this week?
- What was the bravest moment in the story?
- How did the character's faith shape the decisions they made? Give a specific example from the story.
- They were treated unfairly but did not respond with bitterness. How did they find peace? Is that easy or hard to do?
- What is the difference between courage and recklessness? Did the character show one or both?
- America's founding documents reference "the Creator" and "Divine Providence." Why do you think the founders connected faith and freedom?
"This story shows someone who did the right thing even when it cost them dearly. Can you think of a moment in your own life when doing the right thing was costly? What did you do?"
- The pioneer had to leave their home and go somewhere new. Have you ever moved or visited somewhere new? How did it feel?
- They didn't have a grocery store or electricity. What do you have that they didn't? Are you grateful for it?
- What problem did the pioneer have to solve, and how did they figure it out?
- "Grit" means pushing through when things are hard without quitting. Rate the pioneer's grit from 1–10 and defend your answer.
- Pioneer families depended on their neighbors for survival. How is that different from how we live today? What is gained and lost in modern independence?
- They had no safety net — no government programs, no insurance. How did that shape their character?
- If you were a pioneer, what would be the hardest part of frontier life for you personally?
"Pioneers built things from scratch with their own hands. Is there something in your life you've built — a skill, a friendship, a habit — through hard, patient work? How did it feel when it came together?"
- The soldier / patriot fought to protect their family and neighbors. What does it mean to protect someone you love?
- They were far from home and missed their family. What would you miss most if you were away for a long time?
- What made this person a hero?
- The Revolutionary soldiers were ordinary farmers, shopkeepers, and tradesmen — not professional soldiers. Why does that matter?
- They were fighting the most powerful military on earth. By every rational calculation, they should have lost. What kept them going?
- What is the difference between a soldier who follows orders and a patriot who fights for principles?
- July 4th, 1776 was a declaration, not a victory — the hardest battles came after. What does that tell us about how freedom is won and kept?
"These men pledged 'our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.' What three things would you pledge to protect something you love deeply?"
- This woman helped lots of people. What is your favorite way to help someone?
- She didn't give up even when it was hard. What helps you not give up?
- If you could be best friends with the person in this story, what would you do together?
- This woman operated in a time with far fewer opportunities for women. What obstacles did she face that a man in the same situation would not?
- Many of these women led through service rather than authority. Is that kind of leadership stronger or weaker than formal power? Why?
- She built something — a school, a hospital, a movement — that outlasted her. What do you want to build that will last beyond your own lifetime?
- What virtue in her character do you most want to cultivate in yourself?
"She changed the world from within the constraints of her time and place. What constraints exist in your life right now — age, resources, circumstance — and what could you accomplish within them if you had her determination?"
Printable Discussion Cards
All five guides available as printable PDF card decks for subscribers — laminate them, keep them at the dinner table, use them again and again.