Fun Ways to Ask Kids About Their Day

It’s a scene many parents know well: you greet your child after school, eager to hear about their day, and the conversation goes something like this:

You: “How was school?”
Them: “Good.”

End of conversation.

It’s not that your child doesn’t want to talk — often, they’re tired, hungry, or just not sure how to sum up seven hours in one sentence. The trick is asking the right kinds of questions. Open-ended prompts invite kids to share more than yes/no answers, spark curiosity, and let them know you’re genuinely interested in their world.

Here are some conversation prompts to help you connect after the school day:

1. Switch from “How was school?” to specifics

Instead of vague questions, try ones that zero in on moments or feelings:

• “What did you make with your hands today?”

• “What’s something that made you laugh today?”

• "Did you do anything for the first time today?"

• “Was there anything tricky or hard?

• "Did anything make you feel nervous today?"

These prompts encourage storytelling rather than a one-word reply.

2. Talk while doing something together

Some kids open up more when their hands are busy. Try chatting while:

• Eating an after-school snack

• Walking the dog

• Building with blocks

• Coloring together

When talking feels less like an interview, children are more likely to share.

3. Play “high, low, buffalo”

This game works well for kids of all ages. Each person shares:

• High: The best part of the day

• Low: The most challenging part

• Buffalo: Something random or unexpected

The playful format can make it easier for kids to open up — and you can join in to model sharing.

4. Ask about friends and feelings

School isn’t just about lessons — friendships matter a lot at this age:

• “Who did you play with today?”

• “What made you feel happy today?”

• “Did anything make you feel angry or sad?”

These questions help kids learn to talk about emotions and relationships.

5. Let them lead

Sometimes the best prompt is no prompt at all. Try starting with a shared activity — a snack, a walk, or building something together — and let conversation unfold naturally. When kids feel less interrogated, they often open up more.

Conclusion

After-school conversations don’t have to be long or deep every day. The goal is to show your child you’re listening, interested, and available. Some days you’ll hear all about science projects and playground games; other days, you’ll get a shrug and a smile — and that’s okay.

By using thoughtful, fun, and open-ended prompts, you can turn “Fine” into a full story and strengthen your connection with your child one chat at a time.