Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

10-28-2022

What' and 'How' Questions Get Children Talking

"Did you have a good day in school?" you ask as your child walks in the door. "Yes," your child answers, and then says no more.

Sound familiar? Sometimes, parents feel as though a conversation with their child is like a game of 20 Questions. But there is a way to ask questions that will encourage your child to tell you more.

Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no, try asking "what" and "how" questions. For example, instead of "Did you have a good day in school?" you might ask, "What did you do in science class?" Instead of "Do you have math to do tonight?" you can try, "How do you solve the problems on your math assignment?"

Another technique to get kids talking is to ask them to tell you about something: "Tell me about the most surprising thing that happened in school today." "Tell me what you and Paul did while you were working on your social studies project."

Your child may not want to discuss school right after arriving home. Some children are more talkative after they have had a chance to unwind.


Brought to you by:

Gwinnett County Public Schools

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