How to Talk with Your Child About Their School Day

“What did you do at school today?”

“Nothing.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many kids struggle to share details about their day, especially when they’re tired or overwhelmed. The good news: with a few simple changes, you can open the door to better conversations and a stronger connection.

💡 Start with the Right Questions

Instead of yes/no questions, try open‑ended ones:

• “What made you smile today?”

• “Who did you sit with at lunch?”

• “What was the hardest thing you did today?”

🕑 Pick the Right Time

Right after school isn’t always best. Kids may need a snack, downtime, or play before they’re ready to talk. Dinner, bedtime, or car rides often work better.

🧡 Create a Daily Check‑In Tradition

• Share “one high and one low” from your day.

• Use a feelings chart for younger kids.

• Write quick notes back and forth in a small journal.

📱 Balance Tech and Talk

With phones and tablets competing for attention, it’s easy for conversations to get lost. Set aside screen‑free times (like meals or before bed) for genuine check‑ins.

🌟 FGO's Back to School HQ:

Your child may not remember the spelling test five years from now — but they’ll remember that you listened. Consistent, meaningful conversations build trust and emotional security that last long beyond the school year.

👉 Find more back‑to‑school resources and parenting tips in our FGO Back‑to‑School HQ: https://www.lubbockfamily.org/blog/categories/back-to-school