It can be hard to encourage children and young people to open up. These conversation starters will help you to find out more about your child without feeling like you are grilling them or putting them on the spot. It works particularly well when the whole family joins in. Each family member could take it in turns to choose a question or topic but here are some examples.
To strengthen family relationships
What makes you feel loved?
What do you appreciate about the person sat opposite you?
What do you like about our family?
What do you think about the boundaries and rules that we have as a family?
To develop self confidence
What are you most proud of?
What is the bravest thing you have ever done?
Describe yourself in 3 words.
What is a nice thing that you can say to yourself?
Help your child to practise gratitude
What do you think about the inequality in the world?
What are some of your favourite things?
Where is your favourite place to go and why?
To develop compassion and empathy for others
What do you think makes some people commit crimes when others do not?
Were you kind to anyone in the last few days and if so can you tell us about that?
If you could solve a world problem, what would you solve?
Do you know anyone who gets teased and how do you feel when you see this happen?
To understand your child at a deeper level
What's something that you do that helps you relax and feel calm?
What is your greatest achievement?
What do you worry most about?
If you could add, change or remove a rule in your school, what would it be?
Who do you trust the most and why?
It would be great if you could leave your own ideas for conversation starters in the comments below.