We’ve all asked these questions and we’ve all had the same responses.
What did you do at school today? Nothing. Or I don’t remember.
Did you learn anything new today? No. Or I don’t remember.
How was school today? Fine. Or I don’t remember.
I sometimes think it would be easier to interrogate a KGB spy than to get a kid to answer one of these 3 questions.
I’m here to help you though! It’s all about asking the right questions! Ok, this was not my idea, actually this comes from Ellie’s teacher this year. When I first read these questions, I was doubtful. I gave it a shot any how. What did I have to lose?
I have to say, it’s nice to actually have a conversation with Ellie about school at the end of the day now.
1. Who did you eat lunch with today?
2. Who did you play with on the playground today?
3. Did your teacher read a book today? Which one? Can you tell me what it’s about?
4. What did you do in reading today?
5. Did you have PE or Music today?
It doesn’t have to be the exact questions. Basically, just make sure you’re specific. Once you get them talking this jogs their memory and the other questions will naturally fall into place. Once the conversation starts, it will organically grow.
Another little tip. Keep it positive on your end. If there is something going on in class, it may bother you more than your child. Your child will tell you if there is something bothering them.
Good luck! I’d love to hear your feed back!
I totally remember being close mouthed when my Mom would ask me. I just felt like none of it was important…who cares if a girl in class got caught cheating? Well, my Mom did. She just wanted to have a pulse on what was happening in my life. I get it NOW, but back then it was annoying. These are great tips! I’ll definitely be utilizing them with my own kids!
This is great – thank you! I’m going to try some of them now. I also like a variation on the lunch one: “What was your favorite item at lunch” – my kids love to talk about food -lol
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I always start with “who did you play with today”. She with “you know, the same people”. So, I have to say “well, what did you play?” That usually jump starts the conversation then.
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I also tend to learn a lot by listening to my kids talk in the back seat. All the good, juicy secrets come out then.
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My son is shy, so I have been big on encouraging him to make new friends. Every day he tells me about a new friend, something about that friend, and what they did together during school. Then we slowly move on to the rest of his day. I have learned that if I bombard him all at once with my 20 questions he’ll quickly give me the shrug. So I spread it out through the afternoon and evening, and still ask him some questions during bedtime.
Great post!!
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