Let’s Go Beyond “How Was Your Day?”

As parents, we all know the routine: your child comes home from school, and with all the excitement and curiosity in the world, you ask, “How was your day?”

And what do you get in response? “Good.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. After a long day at school, children often have a hard time recalling or summarizing their experiences, especially when asked a broad question. Luckily, there are ways to make these conversations more engaging and meaningful.

Questions That Encourage More Than “Good”

Here are some specific questions you can ask to spark dialogue and get your child talking:

• “What did you learn today that I might not already know?”

• “What made you laugh or smile today? Did anything funny or silly happen?”

• “Who did you sit next to at lunch? What did you talk about?”

• “Who had the best lunch or snack today?”

• “Who did you play with at recess, and what did you play?”

• “What’s something kind or helpful you did for someone else today?”

This last question is particularly powerful. Even if your child struggles to think of an example at first, asking consistently helps them notice and reflect on their daily actions.

Show Warmth and Connection

Daily greetings matter. Try saying something like:

“I’m so happy to see you! We missed you and thought about you all day!”

Acknowledging your child’s feelings after school is just as important as asking questions. If your child seems tired or reluctant to talk, allow them a moment to rest and have a snack. School can be overwhelming, and it’s okay for children to need a little downtime.

You might say:

“I’m so happy to see you. I can see that you seem tired. I would feel the same after a long day at school. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Validating feelings and offering support helps children feel seen, heard, and safe, which encourages them to open up more naturally over time.

Supporting Your Child’s Social and Emotional Growth

Engaging in these daily conversations strengthens your child’s communication, emotional awareness, and reflective thinking. At Warburton Family Practice in Columbus, Ohio, we provide therapy and support for children and families to help build emotional regulation, communication skills, and healthy parent-child connections.

If you want guidance on supporting your child’s social and emotional development, we’re here to help.