20 Unique Conversation Starters for Kids and Teens
/Perhaps now more than ever there is a divide between adults and the teens in their lives. Everyone has adapted to working from home and virtual school, being in the same space but light years away from each other emotionally. Perhaps the only time you might connect may be when the internet is acting up, or sharing your afternoon schedule with each other. Social media has overtaken our lives as one of the few ways we can still connect with family and friends. As we’ve become immersed more in our digital world, it’s even more important to be intentional about connecting with loved ones.
Two quick tips:
Usually talking while doing something is easier for everyone. Try taking a walk or swing on the porch swing while you ask some of these questions. Use these conversation starters as you are folding laundry or are making dinner. Feel free to add these into your typical day.
The key with these conversation starters is to think out of the box, be creative with your questions, and to truly listen to the answer. Do not judge or criticize- be curious and just listen intently. Follow up with other questions to keep the conversation going.
Here are some suggestions of conversation starters for you and your kids or teen:
What do you like best about (online) school?
What do you like least about (online) school?
What’s your favorite place to go eat?
What do you like best about your best friend?
What have you thought about most today?
What’s your favorite thing to do outside?
What is your biggest fear? What can I do to help you overcome it?
What is the biggest goal you have for yourself right now? What can I do to help you achieve it?
What are you dreading most about this week/month?
Who’s your favorite musician/artist right now?
What’s the funniest TikTok video you’ve seen lately? Can you show it to me?
What’s your favorite song right now? Can you play it for me?
Could you teach me to play your favorite (video) game?
If you had to be in one class all day, which one would you choose? Why?
What’s your favorite store?
What keeps you up at night?
What is one thing you are grateful for?
What motivates you?
Who is your favorite teacher?
What is your favorite food?
This is just some suggestions to get you started! Be creative and have fun with some questions you come up with. The great thing about these questions is that the answers might change, so feel free to ask the question again next week! Please share your favorite conversation starter with us. And, if you are looking for other ways to connect with your teenager, check out this blog here!
The mental health therapists at our office offer counseling for a variety of issues including trauma using EMDR, depression, anxiety, grief, and couples counseling. We work with teens, adults, and couples. We also offer online counseling services which can be great for people with busy schedules or for people who live in parts of Pennsylvania with limited counseling options. You can check out our website to see the full list of counseling services that we offer. Or, Request An Appointment here.