How to Ask Open-Ended Questions to your Children

How good are your communication skills?  You always want to keep the line of communication open with your children, but sometimes as children start reaching adolescent and teenage years, it may become somewhat more difficult. Have you asked yourself if you are asking the right questions?

 

                                       verbal and nonverbal communication

Communication is an art form. There is a reason for open-ended questions.   This communication is to gain a better understanding and comprehension. Have you ever talked to your children and observed after asking a question the answer was just “yes” or “no.” Possibly you wanted to hear more than that. Maybe if you ask the right questions, you will hear more.

1. “Tell Me About”

This open-ended question can open up an entire field of communication. They love the empowerment of knowing something that you might not know. They may be more than willing to tell you their perspective. This is not only a good question for your children, but for adults as well. Example, you might ask your child, “”Tell me about the class that you said you really liked.”

2. Feelings

When a child tells you something good or bad, you might ask, “How does that make you feel?” I like that question because there are times children may not be aware of their feelings at the time. It does not hurt to discuss whether they are feeling angry, anxious, sad, or good.

3. Different

Another good question is, “What would you have done differently?” That is a question that I even sometimes ask myself. This question starts your child to thinking. We all know there may be several options or alternatives to problems. Sometimes it is great to just explore those alternatives.

4. Favorite

“What is your favorite class?” This question will start your children to thinking what subject they like or dislike most of all. In fact many of these open-end questions are good for adults as well.

What open-ended questions do you ask your children?

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