Kicking off the school year, especially with it being brand new for our family, we want to start the tradition of conversation starters on the car ride home. As a family, we naturally incorporate these in our day around dinner or before bed. But it is also a great way to chat after the school pick-up or after getting off the school bus. So much can happen in their little minds during the whole day at school.
For us, conversation starters are also a way to help our daughter express herself, feeling valued and heard. As a child, I desperately wanted to feel those things. I have had to work through that childhood trauma in my adult life to break the wounds I’ve carried. So to help our kiddos feel valued and heard, here are some ideas for conversation prompts after a long day at school . . .
Conversation Starters for After School
1. Did you have a happy or sad day?
This sets the tone for the conversations ahead. Be sure to adjust your conversation for what your little one needs for the car ride home. Sometimes it means you skip the conversation and go to affirmations. Grab a snack and a hug if needed.
2. What did you like to learn about today?
3. Who did you enjoy playing with today?
4. What was your favorite part of lunch today?
5. What did you find hard to do today?
6. What did you do well today?
7. Did you do anything nice for someone today?
8. Did anyone do something nice for you today?
9. Is there something you want to work on for tomorrow? Is there a goal you’d like to have for tomorrow?
10. How did you feel about today? You did great today! I’m proud of you!
11. What do you look forward to for tomorrow?
These conversation starters are a great way to discuss your child’s day from start to finish. It allows them to be challenged by what they may find difficult and give them opportunities to grow and try again the next day.
These ideas also help them to see the positive in the day by finding their favorites, whether it be during recess or playtime, or even during lunch. Most importantly, these conversation starters allow them to feel heard and understood. It gives room for mistakes when they happen, and the opportunity to grow from them and try again tomorrow. A new school year can be tough at times; these are great ways to give a pick-me-up when needed.
Cheers to a great year ahead!
