Want to get your kids talking about their day? Start by sharing your own experiences.
When you ask a child about their favorite toy, they might launch into an enthusiastic explanation about the latest features of their action figure. Ask them what they enjoy eating, and they’ll likely rattle off a list of the best pizza places in town. However, when you casually inquire, “How was school?” you might as well be speaking a foreign language—most kids tend to shut down as if they’re under cross-examination.
Take, for example, the experience of Emily Johnson, a mother who faced this very challenge with her reticent son. After asking him about his school day and getting nothing but silence in return, she experimented with various techniques like giving him space or posing open-ended questions, but nothing seemed to work. Ultimately, she discovered a surprisingly effective strategy, which she shared in a recent article for The Washington Post. The key? Stop asking about their day and start talking about yours.
Instead of interrogating her son, Emily began to recount her own daily experiences, even the seemingly mundane ones, such as how her coffee spilled during the morning rush or how she had a particularly tricky meeting. While it might sound dull to narrate the unexciting parts of adult life, she found that this approach prompted her son to open up about his own day.
Emily noted, “I think my son is curious to learn about what I do when he’s not around. It’s not just about the specifics of my job; it’s about the laughter, the challenges, and the people I encounter. When I share these moments, he feels more comfortable doing the same.”
As parent hacks go, this one is pretty ingenious. No one enjoys feeling like they’re being interrogated, and when we bombard our kids with questions like, “What did you learn today?” or “Who did you sit with at lunch?” it’s no wonder they might clam up. By transforming the post-school chat into a two-way discussion, it becomes a conversation rather than an interrogation. Plus, it’s important for kids to understand that we parents have lives outside of their world—our own moments of joy and struggle.
So, the next time your child seems unresponsive to the classic “How was school?” question, take a step back and share your own story. You might just find that it opens the door to a more meaningful dialogue.
For additional insights on parenting and family life, check out this resource that provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination options. If you’re considering at-home insemination, a trusted retailer like this one offers a comprehensive kit to assist you. And for more parenting tips, don’t miss this insightful post.
In summary, sharing your daily experiences can open the lines of communication with your children, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings in return.
Leave a Reply