Prompt library
Find The Right Question For The Moment You're In
Browse thoughtful conversation starters for bedtime, car rides, dinner, after school, big feelings, quiet kids, tweens, teens, and the moments when "How was your day?" just isn't enough.
Free during early access — no credit card required.
Start with one or two. The best conversations usually happen in the follow-up.
Start With The Moment
The best question often depends on when you ask it. Choose the everyday moment you're in and find prompts that fit.
Bedtime Questions
Gentle prompts for when the day slows down and kids are finally ready to talk.
Try asking
- “What was one part of today you want to remember?”
- “Did anything feel hard that you didn't get to say out loud?”
- “What should we make space for tomorrow?”
Car Ride Questions
Low-pressure prompts for the conversations that happen best side-by-side.
Try asking
- “What's something you've been thinking about lately?”
- “What song feels like your mood today?”
- “What would make this week easier?”
Dinner Table Questions
Simple questions that make everyday meals feel more connected.
Try asking
- “What made you laugh today?”
- “What was one good thing and one hard thing?”
- “Who did you feel close to today?”
After School Questions
Better ways to ask about the day without getting only "fine."
Try asking
- “What part of the day went by fastest?”
- “Did anything surprise you today?”
- “What was something you wish I could have seen?”
Big Feelings Questions
Thoughtful prompts for anger, sadness, worry, overwhelm, and emotional check-ins.
Try asking
- “Where do you feel that feeling in your body?”
- “What do you need more of right now?”
- “Do you want help, space, or just someone to listen?”
After Yelling
Repair phrases to rebuild safety after a hard moment.
Try asking
- “Is there anything about what happened that still feels stuck?”
- “What do you wish I understood?”
- “How can we start again?”
Questions That Fit Their Age
A question that works for a preschooler may not work for a tween. Find prompts that match where your child is right now.
Preschoolers
Simple, playful questions for little kids learning to name their world.
View prompts →Ages 6–10Elementary Kids
Warm everyday questions for school, friendships, feelings, and imagination.
View prompts →Ages 11–13Tweens
Thoughtful prompts for the in-between years when they still need you, but may not always say it.
View prompts →Ages 14–18Teens
Respectful questions that create space without pushing too hard.
View prompts →Popular Age-Specific Question Guides
What Kind Of Conversation Do You Need?
Sometimes you're not looking for a category. You're looking for a way in.
Help My Child Open Up
Gentle ways to invite more than a one-word answer.
One-Word Answers
Better alternatives to "How was school?" and "fine."
Big Feelings
Listen-first prompts when emotions run high.
Opening Up
Gentle questions that help quiet or guarded kids share more.
Building Trust
Build safety through everyday conversation, consistency, and repair.
Worries
Gentle questions for anxious moments — name the worry, find what helps.
Confidence
Questions that highlight strengths and self-worth.
Friendship
Open the door to stories about friends and belonging.
Repair After Conflict
Reconnect after yelling or a hard moment.
Quiet Or Shy Kids
Low-pressure prompts that respect their pace.
Emotional Check-Ins
Quick pulses on how they're really doing.
A Few Questions You Can Try Tonight
Start small. Choose one that fits the moment and let the conversation go where it wants to go.
“What made you feel proud today?”
“What was something you wanted to say but didn't?”
“Did anything feel unfair today?”
“What do you wish grown-ups understood better?”
“What made you feel most like yourself today?”
“Is there anything from today you want to leave behind before tomorrow?”
“What's one thing you wish I asked you more often?”
“How can I be easier to talk to when something feels hard?”
Conversation Guides
In-depth prompt pages for specific situations — ready when you need them.
- How To Get Your Child To Open Up
- Conversation Starters for Kids
- Questions to Ask Instead of "How Was School?"
- Emotional Check-In Questions for Kids
- Questions to Ask Your Child
- Questions to Ask Your Teenager
- Questions to Ask Tweens
- Questions to Ask a Quiet Child
- Questions to Ask Kids When They Are Sad
- Questions to Ask Kids When They Are Angry
Want Questions Chosen For Your Child?
Instead of scrolling through lists, get a few thoughtful prompts based on your child's age, the moment you're in, and what kind of conversation you want to start.