Conversation Starters for Parents

Add these conversation starters to your regular carpool or dinner table discussions - it is a great way to get your kids talking. Some tips: Allow all responses, even if they are defensive, serious, sad or just plain funny and silly. The point is to get them talking and remember that how your child responds is a great source of information about how your child is feeling - so keep the conversation going and continue to stay in the moment and be curious.

The questions below are intended to start a conversation and let it take you where they want to go. The answers may spark some other insights or other important conversations. Remember it is always okay to say "I'm not sure I have the answer for that - great question - let me find out and I'll let you know the answer". These conversation starters are not a one and done, but a way to facilitate discussion around some private or sensitive topics.

•  What is something you love to do? 

•  What is something that makes you feel courageous?

•  What do you wish we would do more often as a family?

•  What is one think you would like to know more about?

•  If you could ask the world for anything - what would it be?

•  What is the hardest part about being a kid?

•  What do you think the hardest part about being a parent is?

•  What is the best gift that anyone has ever given you?

•  What is something that is difficult or challenging for you right now?

•  Do you think dreams tell the future?

•  When do you feel the happiest?

•  Do you think actions or words can be most hurtful?  Ask if they have heard the phrase “Sticks and stones can may hurt my bones, but words will never hurt me” - is this true?

•  If you had to make a movie about yourself, what would it be called?

More to come on conversation starters!

Happy February everyone.