Ever asked your child, “How was your day?” only to get a one-word answer- “Fine.” Or, if you’re lucky, “Good.”?
It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re eager to hear about what they’ve been up to, who they played with, or what exciting things happened. Whether it’s the first week back at school, a regular weekday, or even after a playdate or extracurricular activity, getting kids to open up can sometimes feel like pulling teeth.
So, how do we get past that? How do we encourage our kids to share more about their day in a way that feels natural to them?
The trick? Asking questions that invite your child to share their thoughts, experiences, and feelings in a way that feels natural to them.
Here’s how:
- Ask Specific Questions
Instead of a vague “How was your day?” try more focused prompts that make it easier for your child to recall and share details:
- “What was the best thing that happened today?”
- “Who did you sit with at lunch?”
- “What made you laugh today?”
- “Was there anything that surprised you?”
Pro Tip: Open-ended questions work best. If your child still gives short answers, follow up with, “Tell me more about that!”
- Focus on Feelings
Encourage emotional sharing by asking questions that help your child reflect on their experiences:
- “What made you feel proud today?”
- “Did anything feel tricky or frustrating?”
- “Was there a moment when someone was kind to you—or when you were kind to someone else?”
Pro Tip: If your child struggles to name emotions, offer a few suggestions: “Did today feel exciting, frustrating, funny, or something else?”
- Pick the Right Moment
Timing matters! If your child is tired or overwhelmed right after school, they might not be in the mood to talk. Instead, try bringing it up during dinner, bedtime, or even a relaxed car ride.
Pro Tip: Some kids process their day better when they’re engaged in an activity. Try chatting while colouring, doing a puzzle, or going for a walk.
- Be Okay with Silence
If your child isn’t ready to talk, that’s okay. Some kids need a little time to unwind before they feel like sharing. Let them know you’re interested and ready to listen when they’re ready.
Pro Tip: Avoid pressuring them with too many follow-ups. A simple, “I love hearing about your day whenever you feel like sharing,” can go a long way.
- Lead by Example
Show your child what storytelling looks like by sharing a bit about your own day. This helps them learn how to reflect and communicate in a natural way.
Try something like:
- “Something funny happened to me today…”
- “I had a tricky moment at work, but I figured it out by…”
- “I was really proud of myself today because…”
Pro Tip: Keep it light and relatable. When kids see that sharing is a normal part of conversation, they’re more likely to join in.
It’s About Connection, Not Just Conversation
The goal isn’t to get a full play-by-play of the day—it’s to create small moments of connection. Even if your child only shares one tiny detail, it’s a chance to understand their world a little better.
So tonight, why not try asking, “What’s one thing that made you smile today?” It might seem like a small question, but those little moments often lead to the best conversations.
Need Extra Support? We’re Here to Help!
If your child struggles with communication or emotional expression, our team is here to help. We work with families to create practical, personalised strategies that support your child’s unique needs.
Want to chat with one of our friendly family experience officers? Contact your local clinic today! Together, we can help make each day a positive and connected experience for your child.
