Right before bedtime always seems to be the time I can get my kids to settle down and have a solid conversation with me, without the distractions of Minecraft, or wanting to go play with the neighbors or what's on TV or Legos or whatever else runs through the mind of an eleven and 7 year old throughout the day. I've been listening to this coaching book that's intended for adults but I thought I'd adapt a question and see how it worked with the kids and it was pretty entertaining and with persistence led to great connections. 

The question was just: "What's been on your mind lately?" The 7 year old's answers were pretty hilarious. "Well, I've been thinking a lot about me in a world full of candy." (plenty of follow-up questions). And what else has been on your mind? "I've also been thinking about me being the queen and Rapunzel being the princess." (definitely more follow-up questions) "What's the most important thing that's been on your mind? I won't share that answer because it's more personal about friendships but just to say that persistent asking led us through her imagination to deeper feelings about friends and a great chance to connect.

My 11 year old thought it was random but she went with it and we ended up making a plan to purchase some yarn and try our hand at making scarves together. So there ya go! 

Have you found any great questions that work for getting your kiddos to open up and talk about what they've been thinking about?

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