Do you regularly sit down to family meals? Research has shown that this is one of the most important tools we can use as parents to teach our children social skills, good eating habits and to develop strong communication within the family.
Here are some great questions to ask your children at meal times:-
- What is something interesting (fun or difficult) that you did today? (Reason? Develop relationship and create value)
- What’s on your mind today? (Reason? To make them feel understood)
- Who did you sit with at lunch today? (Reason? Open ended question to promote conversation)
- Can I tell you about something (crazy) that happened to me today? (Reason? Teach them to think beyond themselves and develop empathy)
- What are you grateful for today? (Reason? Talk about values, ideas and principles)
- Do you feel full? (Reason? Teaching younger kids to tune in to their bodies. eg: is your tummy hungry or happy?)
- What made you laugh recently? (Reason? Help children understand and manage emotion)
- Do you have any questions from school or what you heard in the news? (Reason? Check in with any anxiety, fears or misconceptions. Be aware of their interpretation of their world)
- What do you want to do tomorrow? (Reason? Keep tabs on their interests and passions. Can also be used for upcoming holiday plans/family conferences)
- How are your friends/classmates doing? (Reason? Tap in to social environment & connections and their coping skills)
- What did you talk about in … (name a class eg English) today? (Reason? Being specific and interested builds trust and your connection with your child. Can also ask: what did you talk about / do over lunch?)
- What was your best success today? (Reason? High points/low points gives you insight into your child’s life and emotions)
