Your kids are forever asking you questions. But now that you have them immobilized in the backseat for the next few hundred miles and Dad isn’t stopping, it’s time to turn the tables. Here are some fresh questions to get them (and you) thinking.
Who was the best teacher you ever had?
Their favorite is your lesson on how to make yourself a better teacher. Did Mrs. Hendershot always take time to praise projects? You should, too. Did Mr. Lalande, the art teacher, let their minds run wild? Maybe it’s time to graduate to blank paper from coloring books.
What do you think about before bed?
Between school, playdates, and family time, the few minutes before sleep may be the only moments your child has to think for himself. What’s going on during these precious unscheduled minutes? Use his answer as an opportunity to calm worries, encourage dreams, or simply peek into his imagination.
What was the best dream you ever had?
You’re the first to know when your little one has a nightmare, but what about her happiest dream? Next time you’re in need of a good bedtime story, build off of this reply and you’ll have her asleep—dreaming peacefully—long before you say “happily ever after.”
What don’t you want to be when you grow up?
They’ve answered the opposite a million times. So start their brains thinking about the jobs they’d never want to do. And have some fun with it! Creamed-spinach taste-tester? Rodent-control specialist?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Even if their world is as small as Schnecksville, try opening their minds with some imaginary globe-hopping. Would they rather visit the Taj Mahal or the Mall of America? Explore the beaches of California or the reefs of the Bahamas? Whatever their answer, you’ll have some ideas for the family’s next big surprise vacation.
What’s the nicest thing anyone ever said to you?
A compliment to your kid is a compliment to you, too. Did your son’s teacher once tell him that his story was the most creative in class? Did your daughter’s coach let her know that the team couldn’t have won the game without her? Give yourself double bonus points if their most memorable compliment came from you.
Why is the sky blue?
They ask you stuff like this all the time and expect an answer, now reverse the roles. If they try squirming away with, “I don’t know,” ask “Well, what do you think?” You’ll discover how their mind works and maybe even gain a new prism on the world.
What do you wish Mommy did better?
Kids are brutally honest. But you want to be a great mom, right? Assure them they won’t get in trouble for their answer (and mean it), then brace yourself. You’ll learn more about your parenting skills from this one question than from any book.
Wow, is this our exit already?!
The 6 Things Men Are Most Sensitive About
