Questions that Ecourage the Flow of Communication!

Good morning! 

We talked about opening up communication last week…This week we are going to look at questions that encourage the flow of communication and so create deeper connections with your children. 

Understand the different types of questions

Whenever you have the chance, ask your children about their day and their experiences. Just allow the conversation to flow and listen, and do vice versa. Communication runs both ways. Build up the trust with your children. When we are in a busy mode, we have a tendency to focus on what’s not done and often speak in a more demanding tone, such as:

• Did you clean you room?
• Have you done your homework?
• Did you finish your chores?
• Have you finished practicing your piano?

Does that sound familiar? 

I have a question for you… 

Do you remember when you parents asked you those questions? How did that make you feel? 

Those questions are okay, but they are the questions that do not create a deeper connection with your children. Sometimes your children just want to chat with you or just have a leisurely and fun conversation. If you are asking them about their chores, homework etc instead, it is rather boring and a sure way of sending them away, wouldn’t you agree?

Below are some questions that you can apply daily that would help to create a fantastic conversation:

When you child comes back from school

• What was exciting about today?
• What’s been the best part of your day?
• How was your maths/sports lesson today? Did you learn anything new that you can apply straight away?
• What would make tomorrow even better

Questions about friendship:

• What do you value about friends most?
• Which friend would you trust most? Why?
• What would a good friend do for you?
• What type of person would you prefer not to have in your circle of friends? Why?

Questions about day to day current affairs/general questions?

• What was the highlight of the budget? Can you read the headlines to me?
• What is your opinion of _____?
• What do you think would make a great day?
• How would you rate your week? Great? Happy?
• What does it mean to have a fantastic weekend?

Here are some more tips on how to create effective conversations with your children

I hope you enjoy today’s newsletter.

What do you think of this? It is important for me to know. So please share your thoughts below or via the GoParents Facebook Page. 

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