Conversation Starters for Kids and Teens

These prompts are meant for grown-ups and kids to use together. These open-ended questions provide a great opportunity to practice communication and emotional expression.

Here are some tips for using these conversation starters:

• Use these prompts whenever you have a free moment—after dinner, riding in the car or anytime you’re with your child—as a way to connect in positive ways.
• Avoid forcing anyone to participate or share how they’re feeling (when using these cards and always).
• Create a safe space for everyone to speak openly.
• Remember that everyone’s feelings are real and valid, even if you don’t feel the same way or agree with them. 

• How are you feeling right now? Has your mood changed throughout the day?
• What do you feel excited about?
• What’s one thing you feel grateful for?
• What’s a time you felt sad? How did you cope (or make yourself feel better)?
• What makes you feel better when you’re upset?
• What’s something that makes you feel nervous? How do you manage it?
• What are you scared of? How do you overcome that fear? 

• What was the best part of your day?
• What was the hardest part of your day? How did you navigate it?
• What are you looking forward to?
• What’s the funniest thing that happened today?
• What’s something that makes you laugh?
• What’s something that’s hard for you? How do you work through it?
• What’s one way you helped someone today?
• Who can you talk to when you need help?
• What are two things you’re good at? What’s one thing you’d like to work on?
• What’s something nice someone has done for you? What’s something nice you’ve done for someone else? 

• If you had a superpower, what would it be? Why?
• If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
• What’s one of your favorite places to visit?
• What’s one of your favorite memories?
• If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? What would you be doing? Or, who would you be with?
• What’s your favorite song? What does the song mean to you? Or, how do you feel when you listen to it?
• What’s one of your favorite activities?
• If you could wish for two things, what would they be?
• If you could be a character from a book or movie, who would you be? How are they similar or different than you? 

Take these conversation starters with you on-the-go. Download, print and cut out our printable conversation starter cards so you can use them anytime you need help getting the conversation started.