20 questions to ask your kids

Growing up isn’t always easy – and as kids mature the more they push back against parents that fuss over them.

But we need to stay connected. This means using your time intentionally and meaningfully. One simple way to connect is while eating together, playing together, or at bedtime when you are tucking them in and have time to listen.

By getting into the habit of asking open-ended questions you can support and help your child feel heard and listened to, and it will help you to determine if they’re suffering from anxiety, depression or fears.

If you’re worried about your child, encouraging them to talk can be very helpful.

Here are 20 questions to ask your child to help support their wellbeing

1. Is anything worrying you?

2. Who are the people you feel safe with?

3. Is there anything you want to talk about?

4. When was the last time you were very happy?

5. What makes you feel calm?

6. If you could change anything in your life what would it be?

7. What difficulties are you facing at the moment?

8. What can I do to help?

9. I can tell that you like ___, what do you love so much about it?

10. Where is a place you feel safe?

11. Do you have any worries about school?

12. What are you most looking forward to this week?

13. It’s okay to keep stuff private, but did you want to tell me more about ___?

14. How are you coping since ____?

15. What are you worried about when you lie in bed and can’t sleep?

16. What are you dreading most this week?

17. How do you feel about things changing?

18. Is there anything that’s upsetting you?

19. What do you love doing that makes you feel happiest?

20. Of all the things you are learning, what do you think will be the most useful when you are an adult?