25 ways to ask your child "How was school today?" without asking "How was school today?"

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If you're like me, it's such a drag to get "Fine" as an answer to this classic dinnertime question.  Luckily, I stumbled onto the brilliant folks over at Simple Simon & Company for some great suggestions on how to get a real conversation going and couldn't help but share their wisdom.  Ready, set, go!

#1.  What was the best thing that happened at school today?  (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?)
#2.  Tell me something that made you laugh today.
#3.  If you could choose who would you like to sit by in class?  (Who would you NOT want to sit by in class?  Why?)
#4.  Where is the coolest place at the school?
#5.  Tell me a weird word that you heard today.  (Or something weird that someone said.)
#6.  If I called your teacher tonight what would she tell me about you?
#7.  How did you help somebody today?
#8.  How did somebody help you today?
#9.  Tell me one thing that you learned today.
#10.  When were you the happiest today?
#11.  When were you bored today?
#12.  If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed up someone who would you want them to take?
#13.  Who would you like to play with at recess that you’ve never played with before?
#14.  Tell me something good that happened today.
#15.  What word did your teacher say most today?
#16.  What do you think you should do/learn more of at school?
#17.  What do you think you should do/learn less of at school?
#18.  Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?
#19.  Where do you play the most at recess?
#20.  Who is the funniest person in your class?  Why is he/she so funny?
#21.  What was your favorite part of lunch?
#22.  If you got to be the teacher tomorrow what would you do?
#23.  Is there anyone in your class that needs a time out?
#24.  If you could switch seats with anyone in the class who would you trade with?  Why?
#25.  Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.
                                               For their teen version, check out www.simplesimonandco.com

I've marked my top favorites in RED.  These have been handy for for me in figuring out some of my son's class dynamics in new and entertaining ways.

Another dinnertime ritual that we do from time to time is for everyone around the table to share "3 Good Things" about their day.  I find when we do this regularly, it helps build the habit of gratitude which gets us recognizing the "good things" in real time too!  

Happy parenting!
Dr. V


Dr. Vannaman is a Board Certified Family Medicine Doctor in Kansas City who believes that trusting relationships and quality conversations are essential to providing outstanding primary care to one and all.  Sign up today!

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