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Get the printable PDF of all 105 questions!
Okay, we’ve all done it as parents including me. At the end of the school day, we ask our kids “How was your day?”
As parents, we often ask our kids, “How was your day?” in an effort to show interest in their lives and to maintain a strong connection with them. While this question may seem harmless, it often leads to one-word answers like “good” or “fine,” leaving us feeling disconnected and uninformed about their experiences at school or with their friends.
The truth is, asking children open-ended, thought-provoking questions not only fosters deeper connections, but also encourages them to think critically, reflect on their day, and develop essential communication skills.
It’s also a great way to practice mindfulness and step into the present moment, talking away from screens.
Here’s a hand list of 105 questions you can ask kids that will get them talking, engaging, and hopefully opening up to you. The first 50 are in a handy visual list and there rest are below for you to reference this post and come back to!
Get the printable PDF of all 105 questions!
Get the printable PDF of all 105 questions!
Why is it important to ask kids open-ended questions?
- Encourages critical thinking: Open-ended questions require children to think more deeply about their experiences and ideas, helping them develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Fosters self-reflection: These questions prompt children to reflect on their emotions, actions, and decisions, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
- Enhances communication skills: By answering open-ended questions, children practice expressing their thoughts and feelings more clearly, improving their verbal communication skills.
- Builds stronger connections: Open-ended questions promote meaningful conversations between parents and children, leading to stronger emotional bonds and a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
- Supports emotional development: When children are encouraged to share their feelings and experiences, they learn to recognize and manage their emotions more effectively, contributing to their emotional development and resilience.
- Boosts confidence and self-esteem: When children feel heard and understood, it builds their confidence and self-esteem, making them more comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions.
- Promotes active listening: Open-ended questions require both the child and the parent to listen actively, fostering mutual respect and understanding in their relationship.
- Enhances learning: Discussing complex topics or reflecting on experiences helps children to consolidate and internalize new information, enhancing their overall learning experience.
- Stimulates creativity: Open-ended questions often invite children to imagine, create, and explore new ideas, promoting their creativity and curiosity.
- Facilitates problem-solving: By engaging in open-ended conversations, children learn to approach challenges from different perspectives and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
- In summary, asking open-ended questions plays a vital role in a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. By incorporating these questions into everyday conversations, parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and are encouraged to grow, learn, and explore the world around them.
Get the printable PDF of all 105 questions!
Here are 55 more questions to ask kids!
I hope these help you engage with your child more and foster deep connections!
Get the printable PDF of all 105 questions!
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.