45 Questions to Get Your Child Talking originally appeared on BabyWiseMom.com

My twelve year old son has a super talent. He can answer any open-ended question with one word, and do it well. He has sharpened my skills as a question-asker. As your child comes home from school or whatever activity he/she has been at, you want to know the important details! You want to know what your child liked and what she didn't. You want to your child to know you are interested in his life. You want your child to know she can talk to you about things and that you will listen. It can be hard to know what questions to ask, and over time, it all becomes more second nature, but in case you are struggling, here is a list of specific questions to get the conversation rolling.

Before you attempt this list, remember triad communication theory. Basically, you add in a task when communicating, like doing the dishes or going for a walk. This is especially helpful of males (and it will work on your husband!). You also need to remember time. You will find out more about your child's life if you spend 60 minutes with her than you will if you spend 6 minutes, no matter how "quality" the time is. On to the questions!

1. What was the best thing that happened today?
2. What was the worst thing that happened today?
3. What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
4. What made you laugh today?
5. What did you read today? What was read to you today?
6. Who do you love to play with during playtime?
7. Who would you want to sit by in class?
8. Who would you want to NOT sit by in class?
9. What is the biggest difference between this year and last year?
10. What did you do at recess today?
11. What part of school is your favorite (if it isn't school, what part of dance, what song, what part of soccer, etc.)
12. Tell me the names of three children you sat by today.
13. What was something interesting or funny your teacher/coach said today?
14. What rules does your teacher/coach say are important?
15. What is something interesting about your teacher/coach?
16. What is your favorite time of day at school?
17. What are you looking forward to about tomorrow?
18. Did you get frustrated with anything at school today?
19. Were you able to finish all of your work/tasks today?
20. Tell me a new word you heard today?
21. What made you happy today?
22. Did anything make you sad today?
23. How did you help somebody today?
24. How did someone help you today?
25. Were you ever bored today?
26. Who would you like to play with that you have never played with before?
27. What word did your teacher say the most today?
28. What would you like to learn more about?
29. What would you like to learn less about?
30. How were you a good friend today?
31. Where did you play the most at recess?
32. Did anyone do anything nice for you today?
33. Was it noisy or quiet during class today? Which do you like better?
34. Ask about a specific friend your child has.
35. What questions did you ask today?
36. Tell me what you learned today that you didn't ever know?
37. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your day? How could you make it a 10?
38. If you got one wish granted about school, what would it be?
39. Who is the funniest person in your class? How is he/she funny?
40. What is your favorite part of lunch?
41. What challenged you the most today?
42. If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?
43. If you could trade seats with anyone, who would it be and why?
44. Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.
45. What do you like the most about school?