We’ve all been there. “How was your day, kiddo?” “Good!” (or, if your child is a teen and no longer an enthusiastic elementary school kid, it might end with “fine” instead).
As much as I love hearing that my little guy had a great day at school, I want to know more!
Depending on the day, the mom’s role at the dinner table can feel somewhere between the interrogator and therapist. My kiddos both love to talk, but at three and five, they can usually use a little direction. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the very detailed, impromptu explanation of how the card game Memory is supposed to be played, of course (for example).
If you’re looking for a few questions to spark conversation and help your child open up about their day at school, here are a few ideas to get you started.
My Kids’ Favorite Things to Share
- What did you eat for lunch today?
- Who did you play with at recess? What did you do together?
- How was your class behaving today? (I never actually ask this one, but my very conscientious, rule-following son always wants to tell me about the class’s behavior.)
Questions to Learn More about Your Kids’ Day
- What was the best part of your day?
- What’s one thing you learned at school today?
- Was there any part of your day that wasn’t so good?
- What’s something kind or helpful that you did for a friend today? Did anyone help you?
- How was [art/music/technology/PE] today? (If my kiddo is being particularly closed-lipped, sometimes I’ll ask about the wrong special and let him correct me. He can’t keep himself from launching into a full explanation of the class from there.)
- What was the funniest thing that happened today?
After-school conversations with my kiddos are a real highlight of my day (right up there with after-school hugs!). If you are looking for more ideas, check out this list from Little Steps.
