Parents who have the strongest relationships with their kids ask these 5 'revealing' questions, says conversation expert
"Conversation" author and public speaking expert Vanessa Van Edwards shares five low-stakes questions that will reveal how your kids are really feeling.
TL;DR
- Children often default to "fine" or "nothing" when asked about their day due to conversational burden or fear of concern.
- Indirect questions can reveal a child's emotional state and experiences without feeling like an interrogation.
- Asking 'What's something you're weirdly good at that never comes up?' allows children to feel pride and agency.
- Comparing themselves to a character from media can reveal a child's self-perception and feelings about how they are treated.
- A movie title for their day acts as a disguised emotional check-in, with bleak titles prompting follow-up conversations.
- Questions about enjoyable, energy-boosting activities can help parents identify and incorporate these into their child's routine.
- Understanding who makes a child feel relaxed versus stressed reveals their social dynamics and guard levels.
- Parents should avoid reacting to sensitive answers to encourage continued openness.
- Asking these questions casually and taking turns answering them yourself can foster a stronger connection.