The trick is to ask about things that are specific, but still open-ended. Move beyond "fine" and "nothing" by asking your kids to describe her world. It's also great to start the conversation with an anecdote from your own day. Try one of these conversation-starters:
1. Tell me about the best part of your day.
2. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
3. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?
4. Tell me about what you read in class.
5. Who did you play with today? What did you play?
6. Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?
7. What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?
8. What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?
9. Who did you sit with at lunch?
10. Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?
Find out more about what your child's everyday school life is like with our guides to each grade. You can also start important conversations with books that inspire kids to be themselves, and books that inspire confidence in kids.
Shop books that kids love — and may help prompt conversation — below. You can find all books and activities at The Parents Store.