Does time with your family often feel like you are holding a one-sided conversation? It can sometimes be difficult to know what to talk about with your family. Even something simple like family dinner can feel stilted and uncomfortable at times. But that time together is essential to building connection in your family. Conversation starters for families are a great way to get that conversation moving and help you build connection with your family.
Conversation starters for families during dinner
Family dinner allows your family to connect, spend time together, and know what is happening in each others lives. It is also a great way to get kids to open up and share their day’s experiences.
Tips for good family conversations:
- Be positive. Focus on things you appreciate about each other. One topic we usually like to open with is what is the best part of each person’s day. Being positive helps the conversation to stay more upbeat and less tense, so this is a good opener for your family dinner table conversations.
- Focus on them, but don’t be afraid to share about yourself too. Encourage the people around you to share about themselves, and then do your best to be open and encourage them when they open up.
- Listen don’t lecture. When someone is talking, really listen to what they are saying. Sometimes, you may be tempted to lecture your family on an issue important to you. Keep in mind that there is a time and place for getting your point across. It’s not at the dinner table or during family game night. Instead of lecturing, ask questions and discuss ways you might be able to tackle the situation together as a team.
- Always have fun – try to keep things lighthearted whenever possible. Family connections do not always have to be serious discussions about life-changing topics.
- Ask open ended questions . Open ended questions require thought. They tend to start with “how,” “what,” and “why.” Open ended questions also prompt your family to give your more than just one word answers.
Conversation Starters for Families
Conversation starters for families can keep the conversation flowing with your family members. Here’s a few to get you started.
What did you learn today?
How was the best part of your day?
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?
Who do you feel sorry for today, and why?
What is one thing that really bugs you?
Where would you like to travel together?
What is one thing that we could do as a family, either at home or on vacation, that the kids would really enjoy?
What is something we can all work on together to improve our family?
How can we show each other more appreciation and kindness as a family?
What is one thing you would like to try to do on your own this week?
What is the most interesting conversation you had with someone today/this week?
Who was the nicest stranger you met today /this week?
How can we do a better job of showing appreciation to each other for the things that we do?
When was the last time you laughed really hard?
Was there something in your day today that made you feel afraid or worried and if so what?
What was the funniest thing that happened during your day today/this week?
What is one thing you’re working on in life right now that you aren’t sure how it’s going to turn out?
What is your favorite part of being a parent/kid?
What do we need to work on as a family this week/month/year? How can our family support or help you with this effort?
What is a good book you’ve read recently and what did you like about it?
What was your favorite movie this week? What other movies could we watch together?
What was your favorite song today/this week…what other kind of music could we listen to as a family?
What is one thing you don’t like about your work and what would make it better for you.
What made the difference in how the kids acted today?
What was the best part of your day?
Describe one thing you saw, heard or tasted that was red today.
What are some of the best and worst things about your day?
If you could choose any one food to eat every day for a week, what would it be?
What can you do to make yourself laugh right now?
What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
What is your least favorite chore?
If you could choose a new name, what would you choose?
If you had a time machine, what would you do?
What is your favorite meal?
What is your earliest memory?
If you could paint your room any color, what would it be?
What would be your best day ever?
What are you most scared of?
What is one skill you wish you had?
What do you love best about yourself?
What is something you hate?
What would you do if you could be king for a day?
What book character would you be?
What would you invent if you could?
If you could be a teacher, what would you teach?
What are 3 things you are grateful for?
What is the best dream you’ve ever had?
What do you do when you are mad?
What is your favorite season?
What is your favorite family tradition?
If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
Who is the funniest person you know?
What would you do with $1,000?
If we were zoo animals, what would we be?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
What has been your best birthday?
What is your favorite chore?
If you could only have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What makes a good friend?
What is something you are really good at?
What is something the person next to you is really good at?
What language would you like to learn?
If it rained food, what food would you want it to be?
What would you want to be famous for?
What is your favorite movie?
What do you love about school?
Tell us a joke.
How do you show someone that you love them?
Slide or swings?
What is your favorite sport?
What is your favorite restaurant?
What is your favorite thing to wear?
What do you do to feel better when sad?
What do you love about our family?
Would you rather go to the beach or a theme park?
If you could only keep one of your toys what would it be?
If you could get a new pet what would it be?
What makes you laugh?
If you were the parent what rules would you make?
If you opened a store what would you sell?
Would you rather be super tall or super short?
What instrument would you like to learn?
Would you rather have cookies or candy?
Would you rather have cake or chips?
What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
When you are cold would you rather have hot chocolate or warm bread?
What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?
What is your favorite cereal?
Is lying ever okay?
What is the best age? Why?
What is the best gift you’ve ever gotten?
What is something you’d like to do with your mom or dad?
Tell us about a mistake you’ve made.
What do you think makes a family close?
What is the best thing about being you?
Tell someone why you love having them in our family.
Can you be friends with your siblings? Why or why not?
Tell about one of your ancestors.
Would you rather run or ride a bike?
What did you do today to make our family life better?
What do you like about having siblings?
What is your favorite thing our family does together?
Did you help anyone today?
Do you think your parents ever lie?
Who was kind to you today? What did they do?
How important is money? Do you think there is enough to go around?
What could our family do to make the world better?
Truck or car?
Is it okay to have a lot of money?
Would you rather get a full night of sleep or less sleep at night with a nap in the day?
Do you think you can learn anything?
What is your favorite meal?
How does your body feel sad?
Do you think thoughts or feelings can change if we want them to?
Who is your best friend? Why?
Are you good at making friends?
Are kids who have more money more popular?
Is the glass half full or half empty?
What is your favorite way to spend money?
What makes a good leader?
What is the hardest thing about being a girl?
What is the hardest thing about being a boy?
Does being unkind help you get head in life?
Would you rather live in a mansion or go on amazing vacations?
Have you ever wanted to be friends with someone who didn’t want to be yours?
What is more annoying, loud noise or mess?
If you could be on a gameshow which would you choose?
If you were going to write a book, what would it be about?
Water ski or snow ski?
If you could talk to your older self, what would you ask them?
Would you rather be your own boss or work for someone?
What is your favorite kind of pie?
Would you rather get popcorn or candy at the movies?
Do you like having your parents volunteer at your school?
Chocolate milk or soda?
Would you rather sleep in or wake up early?
What is the best day of the year?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Do you like surprises? What are some surprises that were good?
If your life was a TV show, what would the title be?
Are our family traditions important to you? If so, which ones are the best and why?
Do you think one person can make a difference? How?
Is it okay to keep something hidden from your friends or family? What if the same thing happened to someone you loved as a friend?
Do you think our family is close? Why or why not?
What is your favorite way to spend time with mom/dad/mom and dad?
Families are all about connection and staying close to one another. If you want to build stronger connections with your loved ones, it can be as easy as coming up with a few questions for each other. The next time you find yourself struggling for words or feeling disconnected from those around you, try asking them these questions! It just might help keep your family closer than ever before.
