The One Question I Ask My Daughter After School

Alex is usually pretty exhausted when she arrives home from school, especially on the days she stays later for enrichment or drama club.

I am always curious to hear about her day, but asking “How was school?” feels too broad (and never works).

And after over five years of parenting, I finally figured out a question that DOES elicit conversation. When Alex gets home, I give her a big hug and ask, “How was your day on a scale of 1 to 10?”

It is an easy conversation starter because she has to say only one word back; and once the ice is broken, she usually shares more with us. Also, the question helps show her that I am here and ready to talk about any kind of day she may have had, good or bad or just so-so. Because that is what life is!