You know how this conversation goes: You say, "How was school today?" Your child answers, "Fine." You then ask, "What did you do today?" The universal response is, "Nothing." We've all been there and most likely did the exact same things when we were kids and our parent was trying to give us the third degree. So why do we do the same thing over and over again?
It's time to break out of the generic question rut, parents. Ask these five questions after school instead, and actually get some good information about what your kid does all day.
1. Who was absent from school today?
Having your child focus on someone else allows her to relax for a minute and realize she's not going to get drilled for the entire car ride home. Also, you might find out who your kid spends time with and, of course, which kid might have a communicable disease.
2. What did you not eat in your lunch?
First of all, if you keep getting the same answer, you know not to waste your time and money on that particular food again. Second of all, it can be a gateway to talk about what actually went on at lunch -- which can be the most interesting time of the day.
3. Do your friends think you have too much homework?
Asking what friends think along with your child can help open up a closed mouth. After all, it's easier to tell your mom what Sarah says than what you did. The followup question is, of course, "Do you agree?" This question has the additional benefit of discovering what classes kids find difficult and what teachers they really like.
4. What was the funniest thing you heard today?
If nothing else, your kid will start to giggle when she thinks about it. Then hopefully, you'll learn a little bit about her friends and teachers.
5. Did Jeremy get in trouble again today?
That's right, pick out the kid who usually is the first one to be sent to the principal's office. Your kid will love to share the juicy stuff, you just have to know how to ask. Bonus points if this helps you understand "kids these days."
What do you ask your child when he gets home from school?
Image via Elizabeth Albert/Flickr
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Comments 23
Thank you so much. I've been wondering of some secrets to get the "juice" out of my son! I will give these a shot :).
Please don't ask your child if certain classmates got in trouble again. That just makes kids not like certain kids because they are constantly talked about in a negative way!
I really needed these tips as I have a problem with my son. He won't tell me a thing. But I like to ask what his favorite part of the day was.
These are good questions. I always have trouble finding out what went on in school.
These are great!
How was your day? What did you do? Any problems on the bus?
Well, my youngest son is starting school in the fall, so thank you for these ideas!
Well, if her first day of kindergarten is any indication, I won't have a chance to ask anything. She spent the entire 20 minute ride home telling me all the school rules, and why they were important. Then she made me repeat them to make sure I had learned them. My favorite was the bathroom rule: Don't ever put your fingers in the crack of the door, cuz someone might close it and you might hurt your fingers and have to go to the doctor.
I ask him, "How was your day?".....I don't really need to pry anything out of him, he just launches into tons of stories.
These are good