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Beyond ‘Fine’. How to Get Your Child to Share More About Their Day

Ever asked your child, “How was your day?” only to get a one-word answer- “Fine.” Or, if you’re lucky, “Good.”?

It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re eager to hear about what they’ve been up to, who they played with, or what exciting things happened. Whether it’s the first week back at school, a regular weekday, or even after a playdate or extracurricular activity, getting kids to open up can sometimes feel like pulling teeth.

So, how do we get past that? How do we encourage our kids to share more about their day in a way that feels natural to them?

The trick? Asking questions that invite your child to share their thoughts, experiences, and feelings in a way that feels natural to them.

Here’s how:

Ask Specific Questions

Instead of a vague “How was your day?” try more focused prompts that make it easier for your child to recall and share details:

• “What was the best thing that happened today?”
• “Who did you sit with at lunch?”
• “What made you laugh today?”
• “Was there anything that surprised you?”

Open-ended questions work best. If your child still gives short answers, follow up with, “Tell me more about that!”

Focus on Feelings

Encourage emotional sharing by asking questions that help your child reflect on their experiences:

• “What made you feel proud today?”
• “Did anything feel tricky or frustrating?”
• “Was there a moment when someone was kind to you - or when you were kind to someone else?”

If your child struggles to name emotions, offer a few suggestions: “Did today feel exciting, frustrating, funny, or something else?”

Pick the Right Moment

Timing matters! If your child is tired or overwhelmed right after school, they might not be in the mood to talk. Instead, try bringing it up during dinner, bedtime, or even a relaxed car ride.

Some kids process their day better when they’re engaged in an activity. Try chatting while colouring, doing a puzzle, or going for a walk.

Okay with Silence

If your child isn’t ready to talk, that’s okay. Some kids need a little time to unwind before they feel like sharing. Let them know you’re interested and ready to listen when they’re ready.

Avoid pressuring them with too many follow-ups. A simple, “I love hearing about your day whenever you feel like sharing,” can go a long way.

Lead by Example

Show your child what storytelling looks like by sharing a bit about your own day. This helps them learn how to reflect and communicate in a natural way. Try something like:

• “Something funny happened to me today…”
• “I had a tricky moment at work, but I figured it out by…”
• “I was really proud of myself today because…”

Keep it light and relatable. When kids see that sharing is a normal part of conversation, they’re more likely to join in.

It’s About Connection, Not Just Conversation: The goal isn’t to get a full play-by-play of the day - it’s to create small moments of connection. Even if your child only shares one tiny detail, it’s a chance to understand their world a little better.

So tonight, why not try asking, “What’s one thing that made you smile today?” It might seem like a small question, but those little moments often lead to the best conversations.