Make time to talk. It matters.
Some of the most meaningful conversations happen in everyday moments. A quick question after school, a few minutes around the dinner table or a conversation before bed can help your child feel heard, supported and connected.
You don't need all the right answers. You just need to start. Use these conversation starters to ask questions, listen to what your child has to say and build a connection that grows with them.
Explore the conversation starters below and find one to use today.
Here's how to get started:
You don't need the perfect words or a special occasion. Take a few minutes today to connect with your child. Here's how:
Choose a good time.
Look for everyday moments when your child is comfortable and more likely to open up, like during dinner, in the car or before bed.
Listen without judgment.
Put away distractions and give your child your full attention. Let them share their thoughts and feelings without rushing to offer advice or fix the problem.
Ask questions that keep them talking.
Go beyond yes-or-no questions. Ask what they think, how they feel and what matters to them.
Keep the conversation going.
Don't stop at one conversation. Check in often, follow up on things they've shared and keep showing your child you're there for them.
Explore Conversations by Topic
Sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest part. Explore questions and resources for everyday moments and tougher topics.
After-school, mealtimes and bedtime questions.
These questions help parents connect with their children throughout the day. They can be lighthearted, thoughtful or just a fun way to check in.
After School
- What was the best part of your day?
- What made you laugh today?
- What was something new you learned?
- Did anything surprise you today?
- What was the hardest part of your day?
- Who did you enjoy spending time with today?
- Did you do something today that made you proud?
- Was there a moment when you needed help?
- What is one thing you wish had gone differently today?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Mealtime
- What was one good thing that happened today?
- If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
- What is something you would like our family to do together?
- What is one thing you are thankful for today?
- If you could plan our next family meal, what would we eat?
- What is something you learned about someone today?
- What is one thing that made you smile this week?
- If our family could take a trip anywhere, where would we go?
- What is something you wish we did more often together?
- What is one thing you want to share with everyone at the table?
Bedtime
- What was your favorite part of today?
- Was there anything that made you feel worried today?
- What is something you are proud of?
- What made you feel loved today?
- What is something you are grateful for?
- Is there anything you want to talk about before tomorrow?
- What is something you hope happens tomorrow?
- What made you feel brave today?
- If you could relive one moment from today, what would it be?
- What is one thing that would make tomorrow a great day?
Stress, worries, confidence and big feelings.
These questions help children recognize their emotions, express how they feel and learn healthy ways to manage challenges.
Understanding Feelings
- What makes you feel happy?
- What do you do when you feel sad?
- What is something that makes you nervous?
- How can you tell when you are getting frustrated?
- What helps you feel calm when things get overwhelming?
- Is it easy or hard for you to talk about your feelings?
- What is something that always makes you smile?
Stress & Worries
- What is something that has been on your mind lately?
- What do you do when you have a lot going on?
- Is there anything you wish adults understood about being a kid?
- What is something that makes your day feel stressful?
- Who do you talk to when something is bothering you?
- What helps you feel better after a difficult day?
- Is there anything you have been worrying about that we could work through together?
Confidence & Self-Esteem
- What is something you really like about yourself?
- When do you feel most confident?
- What is something you have done that you didn't think you could do?
- What makes you feel proud of yourself? - What is something you would like to learn or get better at?
- What does being a good friend to yourself look like?
- What would you tell a friend who was being hard on themselves?
Friendships, peer pressure, kindness and belonging
These questions help children build healthy relationships, understand boundaries and recognize the importance of connection.
Friendships
- What qualities make someone a good friend?
- What do you enjoy doing with your friends?
- How do you know someone is a good friend?
- Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend? How did you work it out?
- What makes you feel included?
- What would you do if you saw someone sitting alone?
- How do you show your friends that you care about them?
Peer Pressure & Decision-Making
- Have you ever felt pressured to do something you didn't want to do?
- What would you do if a friend wanted you to break a rule?
- Is it ever hard to say no to your friends? Why?
- What does it mean to make a good decision?
- What would you do if someone made fun of you for making a different choice?
- Who could you talk to if you felt uncomfortable about something?
- How can you support a friend who is having a hard time making a decision?
Family & Connection
- What makes you feel loved and supported?
- When do you feel most connected to our family?
- What is something you wish we did together more often?
- Who is someone you can always count on?
- What makes you feel safe talking to someone?
- How can we make sure everyone in our family feels heard?
- What is one way we can show kindness to someone this week?
Mental health, bullying, alcohol and other drugs
These questions help parents open the door to conversations about difficult experiences, safety and healthy choices. They don't have to happen all at once. Look for natural opportunities and let your child guide the conversation.
Mental Health & Asking for Help
- What does it mean to take care of your mental health?
- What do you think people can do when they feel overwhelmed?
- How can you tell when someone might be having a hard time?
- Do you feel comfortable asking for help when something is bothering you?
- Who are three trusted adults you could talk to if you needed help?
- What would you do if a friend told you they were feeling really sad?
- Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings?
Bullying & Being Kind
- What does bullying mean to you?
- Have you ever seen someone being treated unfairly?
- What would you do if you saw someone being bullied?
- How would you feel if someone left you out on purpose?
- Do you know the difference between teasing and bullying?
- What makes it hard for someone to speak up when they see bullying?
- Who would you talk to if someone was treating you badly?
- How can we make sure others feel welcome and included?
Alcohol & Other Drugs
- What have you heard about alcohol, vaping or other drugs?
- Why do you think some kids might feel pressured to try things that aren't safe?
- What would you do if someone offered you something you didn't want?
- Why do you think alcohol and other drugs can be harmful to growing brains and bodies?
- What could you say if a friend tried to get you to do something you knew wasn't safe?
- Who could you call if you ever felt unsafe or needed help?
- Why is it important to make healthy choices, even when others make different choices?
Conversations for Every Age & Stage
The way we connect changes as children grow. Find ideas that fit their age and stage.
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Take the Conversation With You
Keep the conversations going wherever life takes you! Our Parents Lead conversation cards make it easy to spark meaningful discussions, ask thoughtful questions and connect with your child. Keep a deck at home, take one on a road trip or bring them to the dinner table.
Order your Parents Lead conversation cards and find your next great question.
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