Parents... Ask Your Teens Better Questions
- Laurie Roberts
- Dec 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Tired of getting little to no response from your teen when you ask "How was your day?" Try one of these questions instead...
Daily Questions
What was the best part of your day?
What did you learn from today?
What did you accomplish today that you're proud of?
What is one thing could you have made better today?
Who did you help today?
What was the most interesting part of your day?
For a deeper dive and time permitting, try these...
Questions About Their Inner World & Feelings
What's something that makes you feel unstoppable?
When do you feel the most like yourself?
What's the best compliment someone could give you?
How do you handle stress, and what helps you feel better?
What's your greatest strength or weakness?
Questions About Their Experiences & Interests
What's your favorite song/show right now, and why?
What's a hobby you'd love to learn, and what's holding you back?
What's the coolest app you've found lately?
If you could invent something, what would it be?
What's a small victory you're proud of recently?
Questions About Life & the Future
What's the most important lesson you've learned so far?
How do you think technology is changing us?
What scares you most about growing up?
What would you teach in school to make it more useful?
What does a meaningful life look like to you?
Tips for Better Conversations
Be Open-Ended: Ask "what," "how," and "why" questions to encourage stories.
Be Curious, Not Interrogative: Listen actively and show you care about their answer. Do not react by raising your voice, rolling your eyes, etc. Instead, think it through, even if it requires removing yourself from the conversation for a moment. Respond calmly. Now is the time to validate feelings, not judge and lecture.
Mix It Up: Blend lighthearted questions (like favorite movies) with deeper ones.
Share & Connect: Share your own relevant experiences if appropriate to build trust.
Ask for Needs: "What do you need from me right now?".
Parents... Ask Your Teens Better Questions
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