‘How was school?’ is easy to ask and almost impossible to answer. It is broad, repetitive and usually arrives when everyone is shifting into the next part of the day.
Ask for one scene, not a full report
- What made you laugh today?
- Who did you spend the most time with?
- What was harder than it should have been?
- What is one thing you wish had gone differently?
- What should I know about tomorrow?
Do not stack questions
Choose one question and let the answer breathe. If the response is short, resist immediately asking three follow-ups. Share a small answer from your own day instead.
Some kids talk in the car because eye contact is optional. Others open up while doing something together. The better question matters, but the setting often matters more.