Wellbeing At McAuley 

Five questions to ask instead of "How was your day?"

“How was your day?” is a familiar question, but sometimes our children find it difficult to know where to begin. Asking more specific, open-ended questions can encourage meaningful conversations, help children reflect on their experiences and strengthen our connection with them.

Next time you collect your child from school or sit down together at the end of the day, try one of these questions:

1. What made you smile today?
2. What was something new you learned?
3. Who did you play with today and what did you enjoy doing together?
4. Was there anything that you found tricky today?
5. What is one thing you are looking forward to tomorrow?

Keep the conversation going!

Remembering the details of our children's conversations and checking in about them at a later date can be just as important as asking the initial question. Following up shows children that we genuinely listen, care about their experiences and remember what matters to them.

For example, if your child tells you about a game they played with a friend, you might ask a few days later, “How have you been going playing with your friend this week?”

These small moments help build trust, strengthen relationships and encourage children to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Conversations don't need to happen all at once. Sometimes children need time to unwind after a busy school day. Sharing a little about your own day can also help encourage them to open up.

By asking thoughtful questions, listening with interest and remembering the details, we can help our children feel heard, valued and connected.