Asking questions allows your child or teen to keep conversations going, to keep learning more about others, and to make others feel good. Those who struggle with social challenges may benefit from learning that others enjoy talking about their own interests. They can also benefit from learning the art of asking questions.
The Secret is Curiosity
Teach your child or teen that the secret to exciting conversation is to be curious and ask questions about the other person’s interests. Teach her to ask who, what, where, when, why, and how to keep the conversation moving. With younger kids, you might suggest they pretend to be like Curious George. If they were fans as preschoolers, remind them of the TV show theme song, “You’ll never be bored when you ask yourself, ‘What is this?’ like Curious George.”
For example, learning that a friend is going to Disney World opens the door to ask a whole host of questions.
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How will you get there? Will you fly or go by car?
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Who are you going with?
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When were you there last? How old were you then?
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How many times have you been to Disney World?
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What was your favorite thing to do last time? Why did you like that so much?
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What are you looking forward to doing this time? Why?
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Where are you staying? Have you stayed there before? When?
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Which park will you go to first? Where will you go first?
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What day will you go to the Magic Kingdom (or Epcot, or…)?
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What are you looking forward to doing there?
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Whose autograph do you want to get? Why?
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Who is your favorite prince/princess?
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Who is your favorite character?
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What rides are you scared to ride? Why?
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What rides were you scared of last time that you’ll ride this time?