CURIOSITY QUESTIONS

Ask open-ended questions - questions where there is no ‘yes-or-no’ answer.

Then REALLY listen to your child.

This enables children to share what they are thinking and feeling, instead of the answer they think the adult wants to hear.

Try how and what questions (not why) with an open heart and open mind.

Curiosity questions are an opportunity to invite conversation and problem-solving.

Try asking instead of telling to really get into your child’s point of view - instead of ‘You ALWAYS get into tangles with your friends” , ask what happened, “How did things get off the rails”? “Can you tell me more about it? Is there anything else you want to say? Anything else”? Leave room for lots of thoughts and communication.

Sometimes by answering these questions kids find their own solutions, if not, you can always ask - ‘Would you like me to help you brainstorm some possibilities?’

Sometimes you can use curiosity questions to motivate - “What do you need to remember to bring your homework home”? “How can you and your sister solve this problem”?

Instead of telling - try asking! This helps children feel more respected and capable - and feeling like that helps them act that way!

Motivational questions don’t always need a verbal answer - sometimes they are an invitation to help your child to think and to decide.

Curiosity questions are not compliance questions - one idea is to ask your kids what will motivate them!