Want better answers to “what did you do today at school”? Try these questions to ask your kids to get to know them + stay connected. And grab our free printable to create your very own After School Question Jar!
How many times have you asked your kids after school, “how was your day?”, only to be met with a one-word answer like “fine” or “good”…or perhaps even just a shoulder shrug?
Well, no more!
We’ve teamed up with Sunbelt Bakery, one of our go-to brands for after-school snacks, to bring you a free printable list of over 60 clever questions to ask your kids that will really get them talking. Plus, a fun way to present the questions, by making your very own After School Question Jar.
By asking more detailed, engaging questions, your kids will be more descriptive about their day, and conversations will start to flow. Having this open communication is so important, as not only can you get clues into any potential concerns at school, but your child will feel valued and loved.
Scroll down to get the free printable After School Questions, in both list and jar format.
PIN for when you want to find out what really happened at school today:
BEST PRACTICES
When using these After School Questions, timing is everything. If you spring your questions on your kids as soon as they walk through the door, or hop in your car, you probably won’t get any sort of long-winded response. But giving them a little time to decompress (remember, their brains are tired from being “on” all day), and refuel their bodies, will make a world of difference.
Giving them an after-school snack is a must! Hungry kids won’t be up for answering many questions, but once they’ve had a chance to fill up their bellies, and clear their minds, your chances of success go up exponentially.
We always reach for something quick and easy, like a delicious Sunbelt Bakery granola bar, which kids have no problem gobbling up. They’re made with whole grains and no preservatives and kids love the bakery-fresh taste. They come in a variety of fun flavors, including the delicious new Oatmeal Raisin.
And don’t forget about yourself – many times we’ll grab a Sunbelt Bakery Oatmeal Raisin Chewy Granola Bar and recharge right along with them! Try testing out the After School Questions at different times and see when best suits your child. They might be ready to chat right after their snack, but some may be more open at a later time, like after dinner, or right before bed. Read your child’s cues and you’ll learn when the right time is for them.
THE AFTER-SCHOOL QUESTION JAR
To liven up the question asking, we’ve created a free printable where you can make a fun After School Question Jar. Your kids can reach in and pull out a few questions to answer. We’ve found that kids are more open to this concept because it puts a little control into their hands – instead of YOU asking the questions, they are answering the question which THEY selected.
And once they answer their questions, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to follow-up with your own questions, creating an open conversation that will help you learn more about their thoughts and feelings. We’ve even included some blank questions cards if you want to add some of your own. Alternatively, you could give these to your kids and they could write questions for you! Turning the tables often lightens the mood and it will get you both talking!
Assembly Instructions
To create your own After School Question Jar, simply enter your email address into the box below so we can send you the printable PDF.
Here’s what you get:
The PDF includes a full print-out of all the questions (more on that later!), the labels, and the question cards. Once you have the PDF printed, cut out the label and use tape or glue dots to attach it to a mason jar. If you don’t have a mason jar, a large drinking glass would work as well. Next, cut out the question strips and place them in the jar. If any of the questions wouldn’t pertain to your child, just leave them out. And if you think of additional questions to ask, write them on the blank strips and pop them in.
And that’s it! Leave it out on the counter where it will be easy to grab when the time is right.
THE AFTER-SCHOOL QUESTION LIST
If you’re not up for creating the jar, not to worry! Our free printable PDF also includes the questions in list format, so you can simply print it and have them to refer to when you’re encountered with those one-word answers!
To grab the printable list, the instructions are the same as above – simple fill in the box below and we’ll email it to you straight away.
These After School Questions for kids will ultimately help you and your child connect, and you’ll learn so much about them in the process.
Which questions are your favorite, and which work the best with your child? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks again to our partner, Sunbelt Bakery, for making delicious after-school snacks that are made with whole grains and no preservatives – including their new Oatmeal Raisin Chewy Granola Bars. Stock your pantry with a box (or two!) to refuel your kids before asking your After-School Questions.
