questions to ask kids at breakfastWe all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day (you've heard this before, right?). We also know that sitting down together for a meal with your kids is crucial to staying connected, informed, and close. After all, everyone's defenses are down as they stuff their faces with delicious food.

Even though breakfast can be a rush job when you're trying to get everyone out the door, you have enough time to bond over bagels. You just need to know the right questions to ask your kids in order to get the most information in the shortest amount of time. If you're looking for a quicker, better, more entertaining way to communicate with those guys, try these five questions out on your kids at breakfast tomorrow.

1. Have you learned the difference between crocodiles and alligators yet?

Age appropriate questions that promise a pay-off are a great way to not only figure out what the heck they're learning in class, but a way for you to give your child a mini lesson in the morning.

2. What's better: soccer or softball?

Figuring out the after school interests is also super important. If you throw a few options out on the breakfast table, you can learn where your child really wants to be -- on the field, or on the stage.

3. I always thought "Where the Red Fern Grows" was better than "Old Yeller." Don't you think?

And voila! A comparative literature discussion right at your breakfast table!

4. What does Jack say about your new music teacher?

Pick a friend you know your child chats with on a regular basis and flip it. Instead of asking what your child thinks, let them tell you what they think via a surrogate. It's much easier for a child to talk about someone else, than themselves. Which brings us to --

5. Who got in trouble with Mrs. Jackson yesterday?

Getting kids to talk smack about other kids can be highly entertaining, and informative. You can also learn where your child's allegiances lie when you listen to the tone of voice in describing the latest incident of classroom disruption. And he will always remember a classroom disruption.

How do you talk to your kids at breakfast?

 

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