Start Great Conversations with Your Kids

I have to admit having one child of each gender has really made me more aware of the male/ female differences. One huge difference I've found is the way they communicate and their interpretation of words. When I think about when my kids were younger and I picked them up from school, the differences were so noticeable. My son gave me one word answers about how his day was, while my daughter gave me a play by play. To this day I communicate differently with both my kids. They are both aware that they can come talk to me any time, any topic, or concern, they know I will always have their back. My son will come to me when he is in the mood and feels the need to share or ask a question. If I ask him something and he doesn't want to talk there and then, he lets me know by saying 'do we have to have this talk right now?'
My daughter on the other hand is up for a mother - daughter talk almost any time. I can just look at her without needing to use words and I know if something is bothering her, if she's feeling 'off' or needs her space. I have a great relationship with my kids, the result of unconditional love, respecting my kids and positive parenting, ll of which are work...and worth every single minute!

We try every day to sit and have at least one meal together and share a conversation, .doesn't always happen, but if it doesn't, then there's usually a car ride together where it does. I like conversations in the car because no one can escape, and there is no need for eye contact so for the kids it's not as formal. Conversation at meal time can sometimes be difficult though. So here are a bunch of conversation starter questions to help with it. You can write these questions on separate pieces of paper, put them in a jar and each choose one randomly. You can print them out and choose one or two a day or be creative in your own way with them. Have fun with them, have the kids ask you the questions and answer them honestly. Just remember that not all questions will be for all ages of children and answers should be age appropriate. Have fun and happy communicating!

What do you think the best thing about our family is?
If you were to use 2-3 words to describe our family, what would they be?
When you grow up do you want to have kids? Why and why not?
What do you think makes a good parent?
If you could change something about your parent/s what would it be?
Do you think your friends have a good relationship with their parents?
What things are you proud of our family for?
If you have children, what kind of parent do you think you will be?
Do you think our family rules are too strict?
What are two of the best things that your parent/s taught you?
If you could change the world, how and what would you do?
Who is your hero or favourite role model and why?
Do you think it's ok to cheat at school, in a game, on a test?
Do your friends lie to their parents? What types of lies do they tell?
Do you think your parents lie?
What do you think is one of the worlds’ biggest problems? What can be done about it?
Do you think it's important to give back to your community and to help others? Why?
What characteristics are important to you that other people have?
Who is/was your favourite teacher? Why?
What the best and worst thing about school and why?
What skill do you have that you could teach and share with others?
Why do you think some kids in school do very well while others struggle?
Is there a difference between being smart and being intelligent?
Do you think kids whose parents have more money have an advantage?
What kinds of things hurt your feelings?
What kinds of things embarrass you?
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
How does it make you feel when someone is angry at you?
What's the nicest thing you've ever done for a friend?
What's the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If there is a place you would never want to live where would it be and why?

These are just a few of the hundreds of questions you can ask each member of your family as a way to enhance communication, get to know each other more and bond as a family?
Add your own questions to this list. Have your kids write a bunch of questions for you the parent and add them to this list and have fun!!!