TABLE TOPICS
Questions to ask your child, pre-teen, and teen at dinner tonight.
Meaningful conversations and connections with younger people are so important. However, today’s digital world adds a new set of challenges that can be tough to navigate. Here are some open-ended, developmentally appropriate questions to get you started. Remind yourself to be curious and non-judgmental during your conversation.
Children (under age 10)
Children (under age 10)
- What’s something you’re good at? Helping kids identify something they’re good at is a great way to boost their self-esteem.
- Would you rather be super big, like an elephant, or super small, like an ant?Why? Asking fantastical questions helps support your child’s imagination.
- What is something that makes you sad? Asking about feelings can help encourage self-awareness and normalize everyday experiences.
Pre-teens (10-12)
Pre-teens (10-12)
- What is something that makes you feel proud of yourself? Reflecting on a point of pride—whether it involves a skill, a successful project or a personal attribute can help build confidence.
- What is something you have learned recently? Helping kids to recall and share can aid in boosting communication skills and articulation.
- What qualities do you look for in friends? Encouraging critical thinking promotes self-awareness. Asking about qualities encourages making good choices.
Teens (13 and up)
Teens (13 and up)
- How do you handle tough situations? Normalizing challenges and talking through how to manage difficult emotions reduces shame and promotes healthy problem-solving.
- What is something you are grateful for? Focusing on gratitude promotes positivity and helps build empathy for others as well as resilience.
- What advice would you give someone else? Asking for a teen's perspective sends the message that they are trusted to have their own opinions and have a valuable perspective to share.