13 Questions to Ask Your Kids Instead of 'How Was Your Day?'
Skip the dull "How was your day?" and spark honest conversations with your kids using these 13 fun and thoughtful questions.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Kids deserve better than boring daily check-ins. This list of 13 creative questions will help you uncover what really happens in their world while keeping things light and engaging. From silly scenarios to deep insights, these prompts can make talking to your child a highlight of your day.
1. “What made you laugh today?”
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Asking your child what made them laugh focuses the conversation on joy and positive moments. It allows them to recount funny or lighthearted events, often revealing more about their day than a generic question. You might hear about a hilarious joke from a friend or a silly thing that happened during lunch. Laughter is a universal way to connect, and sharing these moments can make you feel closer. Plus, it sets the tone for a cheerful and open conversation.
2. “If your day was a weather forecast, what would it be?”
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This question turns a simple inquiry into a fun, creative activity. Instead of just saying “good” or “okay,” kids get to describe their day in terms of sunny skies, stormy weather, or even a tornado of emotions. It encourages them to think about their feelings in a unique way, making it easier to share. The metaphorical approach often helps kids open up without feeling like they’re being grilled. It also adds a touch of imagination, making the conversation more enjoyable for both of you.
3. “What’s one thing you did today that you’re proud of?”
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This question helps your child reflect on their accomplishments, no matter how small. It encourages them to focus on positive actions and moments of personal growth. Whether acing a quiz, helping a friend, or even trying something new, sharing these moments builds their confidence. It also allows you to celebrate their wins with them, reinforcing that their efforts matter. Over time, this question can nurture a habit of self-reflection and pride in their achievements.
4. “Who did something kind for you today?”
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Kids often notice kindness but might not bring it up unless prompted. This question helps them focus on the good in others and appreciate the thoughtful gestures around them. It also teaches them to value kindness and recognize how it impacts their day. By talking about these moments, you’re subtly encouraging them to be kind to others. Plus, it’s a great way to hear stories about their interactions and relationships.
5. “What’s one thing you learned today that surprised you?”
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Kids encounter new information every day, but they might not always share it unless asked. This question invites them to talk about something unexpected or interesting they discovered. It could be a fun fact from science class, a new word they heard, or even a surprising realization about a friend. Sharing these little nuggets of knowledge makes them feel like you value what they’re learning. It’s also a great way to spark curiosity and keep the conversation flowing.
6. “If you could redo one moment today, what would it be?”
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This question encourages your child to think critically about their day and identify areas for growth. It’s not about pointing out mistakes but showing that reflecting and learning from them is okay. They might share regrets like not speaking up in class or something they wish had gone differently. By discussing it, you can help them see how to approach similar situations in the future. It’s a subtle way to teach resilience and problem-solving.
7. “What’s one thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow?”
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Talking about tomorrow gives your child something positive to focus on. It helps shift their attention from any stress or disappointment they might feel about today. Whether it’s a school event, seeing a friend, or simply having pancakes for breakfast, this question highlights the little things that bring them joy. It also gives you insight into what excites or motivates them. Planning ahead together can turn a small moment into a shared anticipation.
8. “What’s something that made you curious today?”
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Curiosity fuels learning, and this question taps into your child’s natural inquisitiveness. It could be about a subject they’re studying, a conversation they overheard, or even something they noticed on the playground. Sharing their curiosity not only helps you understand their interests but also encourages them to keep exploring. This type of question creates an opportunity for follow-up, like looking up answers together. It makes learning feel collaborative and fun.
9. “What’s one rule you’d change if you could?”
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Kids often have opinions about rules, whether at home or school, and this question gives them a safe space to express them. They might share frustrations about a classroom policy or suggest a creative idea for family routines. Discussing their thoughts shows that you value their perspective, even if the rules can’t change. It’s a chance to understand their reasoning and problem-solving skills. Plus, their answers might surprise you and spark an interesting debate.
10. “Who’s someone you had fun with today?”
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This question highlights the people who matter most in your child’s life. Whether it’s a best friend, a teacher, or a sibling, their answer gives you a peek into their social world. It also creates an opportunity to discuss friendships and what makes them enjoyable. By focusing on the positive aspects of their relationships, you can encourage them to nurture meaningful connections. It’s a simple way to show that you care about the people who make them happy.
11. “What’s the most interesting thing you saw or heard today?”
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This question helps kids reflect on the unique moments of their day, from something intriguing in the classroom to an unusual sight on the way home. It also allows them to practice storytelling, making their experiences come alive in your conversation. Focusing on something specific encourages them to be observant and appreciate the little details around them. Their answer might reveal what captures their attention or inspires them most.
12. “If you could give today a movie title, what would it be?”
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This imaginative question lets kids summarize their day creatively. It’s a playful way to gauge their emotions and see how they perceive their experiences without directly asking. Kids love opportunities to be creative, which can become a fun habit that helps you bond. Their chosen movie title can reflect their sense of humor, emotions, or even how dramatic their day felt. You can expand on their answer by asking about the “plot” or “characters” for even more insight.
13. “What’s one thing you wish grown-ups understood about being a kid?”
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This open-ended question invites kids to share their thoughts on their world from their perspective. Their answers can offer surprising insights and help you better connect with their feelings and challenges. It’s a great way to validate their emotions and show that their opinions matter to you. This question can also highlight misunderstandings or areas where they need support. By actively listening, you create a safe space where they feel heard and understood.