How was school? What did you do at lunch time? Why did you snatch that off your sister?
We parents can often lean on our standard repertoire of 'frequently asked questions' – the go-to lines of enquiry that tend to deliver some fairly monosyllabic responses:
Good. Not much. Dunno.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to go a little deeper!? Sometimes we just need some inspiration though, right? So we've put together a collection of good lines that open up great communication and enhance engagement with our kids. They're just examples, and may well inspire your own creative versions that are more relevant to your family's situation.
Some of these lines are useful in moments of tension – when maintaining connection is key but you need a minute to collect yourself and offer more than an uninspiring “Because I said so!”
Other lines speak life into our kids, encouraging them in our unconditional love – regardless of the situation that probably needs some talking about!
Others are there to simply inspire some curiosity. Being curious about a child’s inner world is so profoundly helpful in enhancing relationship and connection. It is also a powerful tool for helping our children process and regulate their big emotions.
