Ask questions that invite more than a yes or no.
Instead of asking questions that can be answered with one word, try prompts that encourage your child to explain, imagine, or tell a story.
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“What was the funniest thing that happened today?”
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“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
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“What is something new you learned?”
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“What would you do if you were in charge of our family for a day?”
Share your own stories, too.
Children learn how conversations work by watching the adults around them. Tell them something about your day, share a funny memory, or talk about something that was challenging. This shows children that everyone has experiences and feelings worth sharing.
Make room for everyone to participate.
Some children love talking, while others need more time to think or feel comfortable sharing. Give your child time to respond, listen without interrupting, and show interest in what they say—even if the answer is unexpected.
Keep it fun and pressure-free.
You don't have to turn every meal into a teaching moment. Silly questions, jokes, and stories can make family meals something children look forward to.
Try This: Go around the table and have everyone share one happy moment, one silly thing, or one thing they're thankful for. Let young children answer with a word, a gesture, or a picture if that works better for them.