5 Questions to Ask Your Kids That Go Beyond “How Was School?

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Let’s face it: Asking your kids, “How was school?” is like asking a cat if they did the dishes. You’re either going to get a one-word grunt or complete silence, leaving you wondering why you even bothered. If you’re ready to break out of the conversational rut and actually connect with your kids, here are five better questions that will spark their interest—and maybe even make them smile.

1. “What made you laugh today?”

Kids are funny little creatures who find humor in the most unexpected places (like fart noises or really bad puns). By asking this, you’re not only digging into their day but also encouraging them to focus on the positive moments.

Pro Tip: If their answer involves a teacher tripping over a chair, laugh—but gently remind them that karma is real, and it has their name on it.

2. “Who did something kind for you today?”

This one gets them thinking about the good in others. Maybe it was the classmate who shared their snacks or the friend who said, “You’ve got this” before a test.

Bonus: This opens the door to a subtle lesson about paying it forward. You might even sneak in, “And what kind thing did you do today?” (Cue dramatic groans, but hey, it’s worth it.)

3. “What’s something you learned that blew your mind?”

Kids are sponges for new information, but sometimes the coolest stuff doesn’t make it into your standard “How was school?” chat. Maybe they learned that octopuses have three hearts or that their math teacher once auditioned for American Idol.

Pro Tip: Show genuine excitement—even if their “mind-blowing” fact is that 7 x 6 = 42.

4. “If you were the teacher for the day, what would you do?”

This is where their imagination shines. You might hear about a school day filled with unlimited recess, pizza lunches, and no homework. Or, they might surprise you with some insightful ideas about how they’d make learning more fun.

Bonus Points: Suggest they write a letter to their teacher with their “brilliant” ideas. Who knows? They might just create the next big educational trend (or at least earn extra credit).

5. “What’s one thing you’re proud of from today?”

This question gives them a chance to reflect on their wins, big or small. Maybe they aced a test, helped a friend, or just managed to survive gym class without falling on their face.

Why It Matters: Celebrating their accomplishments—no matter how tiny—builds confidence and shows them you’re paying attention. Just resist the urge to turn this into a lecture about how they should be proud of cleaning their room, too.

Wrapping It Up

Conversations with your kids don’t have to feel like pulling teeth or interrogating a spy. The right questions can turn a simple after-school check-in into a meaningful moment. Plus, who knows? They might just start asking you questions about your day. (A parent can dream, right?)

So, what’s your go-to question to spark a good conversation with your kids? Share it below—because let’s be honest, we can all use a few more tricks up our sleeves.

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