Parenting Pointers: Start Talking

As digital devices become more and more prominent, it can be harder to break through the digital distraction barrier and have real interactions. While digital devices can be powerful tools, we shouldn't sacrifice real relationships to the draw of easy entertainment.

Parent know they need to talk to their kids, but it can be hard to come up with conversations besides "How was your day?" and other such often-used questions that tend to evoke short answers. Some families can easily jump from topic to topic, but many families find themselves in a rut.

As parents, you might need to be creative. Instead of asking "How was your day?" ask something specific. "What did you think of ____?" Or ask something off-the-beaten-path. "What kind things did you do for someone else today?" You can even ask something completely off the wall, unrelated to anything. "If you were a banana, what would be the worst part of your day?" That last one will at least break up the monotony, even if it doesn't generate real conversation.

I'm a fan of books and cards that encourage realistic questions that are meaningful without being too invasive. While I don't think they should be used as a step-by-step script for conversation. I think they can really get people thinking in different ways. I usually look at a few questions at a time, and then just remember them to use in conversations that seem to have stalled, or to get my kids to open up about things, or just because sometimes they're questions I never would have thought to ask.

I recently got to review 52 Questions for Families by Travis Hellstrom. He also has one for relationships and one for friends. The questions are pretty thoughtful, but not too personal. They can be used with family members of all ages - and they can even be asked over throughout the years, as people grow and mature. It's a great way to hep your family start talking again - or keep talking and learning more about each other.

About the Author

Travis Hellstrom is a husband, professor and author who helps people dream big and expand their influence. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and Founder of Advance Humanity. He is the author of The Peace Corps Volunteer’s Handbook and The Dalai Lama Book of Quotes. To read more from Travis, visit www.travishellstrom.com.

Published by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
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www.hatherleighpress.com