Better Conversation Starters
It is hard inspire natural conversation from a distance, and even face to face when it has been a while. It can take real preparation and work to get more than a one-word answer out of a grandchild!
Here is a handy list of 50 questions to ask instead of “How was day?”
OvertheRiverLife.com has this pdf of Early Childhood Conversation Starters for the littles.
BasecampCards.com sees their products as a tool for fostering connection, anytime, anywhere. A deck of 52 conversation starters, two general editions and a kid’s version, to make communication a little simpler, while focusing on meaningful conversations, and fun! And they plant a tree for every deck sold. I’ve seen other versions, but kinda love the simple fun of these - “What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?” “If you had a theme song, what would it be?”
Many families struggle with dinnertime, and finding ways to connect instead of end-of-the-day meltdowns. Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook is a fantastic volume with kid-friendly recipes that they can help prepare, and many, many ways to inspire real conversation. It would make a great gift for today’s busy families! The tips also work for us Grandparents, especially since we are a bit out of practice. And some of you have the extra struggle of trying to raise your Grandchildren and foster loving connections. Highly recommend this Family Dinner Project organization. HERE is a link to their Thanksgiving Conversation Starter Placemats. Even without buying the book, their website and Facebook page have lots of great connection ideas.
Some of the most entertaining conversations we’ve had is with silly “Would You Rather” questions. We often have them along for a lengthy car ride. To hear a five-yr-old’s reasoning for his “why” answer is often beyond funny.
Robert Walker, author of The Art of Noticing, keeps a running list of ice breakers sent in by subscribers. Some great ones for your next grownup outing! “What is something you’ve learned about yourself in the last three months?” “What was a supposedly fun thing that you did that you will never do again?” “Describe or first car and what it meant to you.” He is always adding.