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“How was school today?”
“Fine.”
“Anything else?”
“No.”
Sound familiar? For many parents, this post-school conversation feels frustrating. Is it too much to hope for more than a one-word answer? I know I have certainly felt lost when my kids don’t seem to have anything to say after a full day at school.
I try to keep in mind that my kids aren’t intending to be mysterious — they just need better questions to open the door to real conversation! By swapping out generic check-ins for prompts that are playful or thought-provoking, I find that I can spark stories, opinions and maybe even a little laughter about my kid’s day.
Next time you find yourself on the receiving end of “fine,” try changing things up with one (or more) of these after-school questions. You might be surprised at what they tell you!
“Did anything funny happen today?” Let’s face it, when you’re a kid, there’s always something to laugh at, whether appropriate or not. This question helps them focus on a positive aspect of their day, which is especially helpful for kids who are not huge fans of school.
“What was your favorite part of the day?” When I ask my own kids this question, their answers often surprise me. More often than not, their favorite part of the day was something small that they found meaningful.
“If you could swap places with your teacher for a day, what would you do first?” This question is great because it flips a familiar situation on its head and invites creativity. Their first action as “teacher” often reflects what my kids value most — fairness, fun or maybe just more snack breaks. I bet this question will get a smile!
“Did anything surprise you today?” Encourage kids to think about moments that stood out, you might be surprised at their answers!
“What’s a small win you had today that no one else noticed?” This question is personal, specific and validating, three things that help kids open up. Instead of focusing on problems or grades which can feel stressful or like an inquisition (not matter how you phrase it), this question encourages kids to notice their own success, which feels good to share.
“What was the worst part of the day?” More often than not, this answer revolves around what I’m currently making for dinner or what I did (or did not) pack in their lunches.
“Did you make any mistakes today?” This answer can be illuminating! Kids can be so honest. Follow-up question: How did you fix it?
“What are you reading at school?” I love asking my kids this question. Not only do I get a peek into their reading lives, I sometimes learn about new authors.
“What happened at recess, PE or lunch?” Because something always happens at recess, PE or lunch!
“If you could send a robot to school instead of you for part of the day, which class would you skip?” It’s best to phrase this question to include the school-going robot; otherwise, it might seem like you’re giving your kids a pass to opt out.
“Did you make any new friends today?” Don’t just ask this question at the beginning of a new school year; ask it throughout.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was updated most recently on Aug. 27, 2025, by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, with new questions to get your kids talking.
