My Preschooler Doesn't Answer Me: How to Encourage Conversation
Does your preschooler stay silent when you ask, “How was your day?” You're not alone! Many young children find open-ended questions challenging, but with a few simple strategies, you can encourage conversation and help your child reflect on their day.
Ask Specific Questions
Instead of broad questions like "How was your day?", try asking more specific ones. This makes it easier for your preschooler to answer:
❓ “What games did you play today?”
❓ “Who did you spend time with?”
❓ “Where did you eat your snack?”
These types of questions help your child share more about their day and encourage conversation.
Use Photos to Spark Conversations
Photos can be a powerful tool to get your preschooler talking. Many early childhood centers share photos of daily activities, which can help prompt conversation. When your child sees themselves or friends in pictures, it can trigger memories and make it easier for them to open up. Show your child the photos and ask about the moments captured. This can help spark stories and turn a quiet moment into a lively conversation.
Why This Matters
Encouraging your preschooler to talk about their day builds conversation skills, boosts confidence, and supports language development. The more children talk, the stronger their language skills become, which will benefit them in school and social situations. Be patient and keep encouraging your child to share. Over time, they’ll become more comfortable expressing themselves.
About the writer:
Lauren is a speech pathologist who has over 18 years experience working with children and teenagers who present with a range of learning and communication differences. Lauren is passionate about helping others and loves to find simple and creative ways to make learning fun!
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