Topic
Questions to Ask Kids About Friendship
Friendships shape so much of childhood — the joy, the drama, the loneliness, the loyalty. These questions help your child open up about their social world without feeling interrogated, so you can listen, support, and stay connected as friendships change.
Here are questions you can ask tonight
Ask about specific moments, not grades on friendships. Try "Who did you feel closest to today?" or "Did anything happen with friends that you're still thinking about?" and follow their lead.
Questions to try
Everyday Friendship Check-Ins
Question
“Who did you hang out or play with today?”
Question
“Who did you feel most yourself around?”
Question
“Did anyone make you laugh today?”
Question
“Was there a moment with friends that felt really good?”
Question
“Who did you sit with at lunch or recess?”
Question
“What's something fun you did with a friend recently?”
Belonging And Feeling Left Out
Question
“Did anyone make you feel included or left out today?”
Question
“Was there a moment when you wished someone had noticed you?”
Question
“Did you see anyone being left out? How did that feel?”
Question
“What helps you feel like you belong?”
Question
“Is there a group or friend situation that's been on your mind?”
Question
“What would make you feel more included?”
Conflict And Hard Moments
Question
“Did anything feel unfair between you and a friend?”
Question
“Was there an argument or awkward moment with someone?”
Question
“What happened, and how did it feel?”
Question
“What do you wish had gone differently?”
Question
“Is there a friendship thing you don't know how to handle?”
Question
“What would help you feel better about what happened?”
What Makes A Good Friend
Question
“What makes someone a good friend to you?”
Question
“Who is someone you trust at school?”
Question
“What's something a friend did that meant a lot to you?”
Question
“What kind of friend do you try to be?”
Question
“What do you look for in a friend?”
Question
“Is there a friendship you feel really grateful for?”
Growing And Changing Friendships
Question
“Has any friendship been changing lately?”
Question
“Is there someone new you'd like to get to know better?”
Question
“What's hard about friendships right now?”
Question
“What do you wish I understood about your friend group?”
Question
“Who do you want to spend more time with?”
Question
“What would make your friendships feel easier this week?”
Age-specific variations
Preschoolers (3–5)
- Who did you play with today?
- Did anyone share with you?
- Who makes you feel happy at school?
Elementary (6–10)
- Who was kind to you today?
- Did anyone hurt your feelings?
- Who would you invite to your birthday?
Tweens (11–13)
- What's a friendship thing you've been thinking about?
- Did anyone make you feel left out or included?
- Who do you feel most yourself around?
Teens (14–18)
- How are things with your friend group?
- Is there a friendship situation you want to talk about?
- What do you wish I understood about your social world?
Moment-specific variations
After school
- Who did you spend time with today?
- Did anything happen with friends?
Car rides
- Tell me about your friends lately.
- Did anything social surprise you this week?
Bedtime
- Who made you feel good today?
- Is there anything about friends on your mind?
Dinner
- Who were you kind to today?
- Did anyone do something kind for you?
What to avoid saying
- "Just find other friends" when they're hurt
- Calling someone a bully before you've heard the full story
- Comparing their friendships to yours as a kid
- Minimizing drama with "It's not a big deal"
- Jumping in to fix friendship problems before they ask for help
How to use these questions
- 1Pick one or two questions — not a whole list.
- 2Read them before you sit down together.
- 3Put your phone away and ask with genuine curiosity.
- 4Follow what your child says instead of rushing to the next question.
- 5Save what worked so you can ask again later.
Get Tonight's Questions in the App
Open the free early-access app for a few thoughtful questions matched to your child's age, mood, and moment.
Read A Few, Put Your Phone Away
Use Talk With My Kids before the moment, not instead of the moment.
Open the app for a few prompts — then put your phone down and start with one.
Want questions personalized for your child?
Read a few, put your phone away, and start with one. Save what works to your child's profile and get prompts before the moments that matter.
Frequently asked questions
Keep questions open and specific: "Did anything happen with friends today?" works better than "Tell me everything about your friends." Follow their pace and celebrate small shares.
Related moments
Related topics
Browse by age
Related question guides
Questions to Ask Tweens
Thoughtful questions to ask tweens that respect their growing independence while keeping the door open for connection.
Questions to Ask Your Teenager
Respectful questions to ask your teenager that build trust — low-pressure prompts for car rides, dinner, and everyday connection.
How To Get Your Child To Open Up
Gentle questions and conversation starters to help your child open up at bedtime, after school, in the car, and during everyday moments.
Questions to Ask Instead of "How Was School?"
Better alternatives to 'How was school?' — specific questions that help kids share more than 'fine' or 'good.'
Conversation Starters for Kids
Easy conversation starters for kids that go beyond small talk — perfect for car rides, dinner, and everyday connection.
