Let’s face it. After a long day of school, getting your teen to talk about it is like chatting with a brick wall. One-word answers are utterly cliché for them: Make it “Fine,” “Good,” “Whatever,” and the ultimate killer “K.” Honestly, training a cat to fetch might be less frustrating.
As parents, you are in the best mood to connect to your child and take a peek into their life. But it is not going to be that easy, is it? So how do you open the gates? Equip yourself with a few pertinent, open-ended questions to get them talking earnestly. These teeny-tiny gems will trip them up and lead them to speak about whatever before they even realize it.
So, are there any wild adventures in high school land today?
High school is another whole galaxy of drama, laughs, and surprises. So did something legendary happen between your mates or in class? A hilarious prank or a sudden outburst from a teacher? Spill the beans. I’m here for all the juicy tea.
What’s the craziest thing you saw on TikTok lately?
Another disruption by TikTok, filled with ridiculousness: was it a dance challenge that went awry? A similar jaw-dropping stunt? Or was it a video so hilarious that you were unable to get it off your mind? Share your faves so we can have a hearty laugh.
If you could shift lives with a fictional character for a day, who would it be?
Imagine being able, for a day, to “live” your favorite hero, wizard, or adventurer’s life. Who would you be and what do you think would be the best part about living their life? I can’t wait to know who you’d love to live as and why.
What’s your favorite meme or internet trend at the moment?
The internet is an infinite collection of memes and trends that keep people laughing. A viral dance, a classic relatable meme, or that new prank video? Come on, share some of your laughs over the latest internet crazes.
What’s your go-to playlist when you need a mood boost?
Music can change your day. What songs make you feel better and on top of the world? Whether pop, rock, rap, or something cutting-edge, let me know your favorites, and I might just borrow a few for my own list!
Any new slang words I should know about?
Slang changes too rapidly for me to catch on to. What are the buzzwords you and your mates keep tossing around? Give me a hand so I can stop sounding woody and out of place, and I won’t make you look too bad for it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The dream can be bigger—what’s your ultimate superpower? Would you fly, time-travel, or read minds? And: no, disappearing because of laundry chores is not an alternative! I’m curious; tell me what powers you thought would spice up life.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at school?
School is home to all the cringe moments. Have you embarrassed yourself in gym class, confused a teacher, or done a “facepalm”-worthy act in front of your friends? Share your story, it’s less cringy when you laugh about it!
If you could redesign your school cafeteria menu, what would you add?
Assume you’re the head chef for that day. What would your menu be? Taco bars? Sushi? Crazy desserts? I want to know how you’d make school lunches the highlight of everyone’s day.
What’s the most ridiculous fashion trend you’ve seen lately?
Trends can get quite crazy. What is the current over-the-top fashion statement you’ve seen? Hilariously oversized jackets, or really big shoes that people might trip over? Let me know what’s been making you laugh— or cringe— in fashion lately.
What’s the weirdest dream you’ve had recently?
Dreams can go completely bonkers. Have you been flying? Battling aliens? Hanging in all kinds of weird places? No interpretation of dreams; just tell me the coolest and funniest parts!
Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world right now?
If you could hop on a plane to anywhere, where would it be? A bustling city, a serene beach, or maybe somewhere totally off the grid? Tell me about your dream destination and what makes it so special.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned outside of school lately?
Learning happens outside the confines of the classroom. Have you taken up a new hobby, learned a skill, or acquired an intriguing fact recently? Skateboarding, coding, maybe refining a magic trick? I’d love to hear it!
What book can you read a million times?
There are some books which never grow old. Which one do you find yourself coming back to? Is it a fantasy epic, or a heartwarming tale, or a thrilling mystery? Let me know what makes it your go-to read, maybe I even will want to check it out.
If you were directing a movie, what would it be?
Lights, camera, ready to see action! If it was you who called the shots, what kind of movie would you create? Would it be a heart-wrenching drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a blockbuster full of action? Give me details, I could be ready to hear your memorable pitch.
What’s your all-time favorite movie or series, and why?
Which film or series holds your heart? Comforting, ageless classic, or addictive genre? Please, explain what makes it so special for you.
Any interesting rumors floating around school these days?
What’s the latest buzz in the campus? An unexpected couple? A bizarre rumor about a teacher? Do not worry; I’m just a passerby in the situation; I’m curious about everything going down.
What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
Every person has a hidden talent. Can you nail down an impression, juggle, or create something great? It is in times like these you let your spotlight shine! Tell me about your skill.
If you could create your own video game, what would it be like?
Think of making the perfect game! High-stake adventure or a relaxing sim or a logical-teasing puzzle? And who would be the hero? I’m all ears listening to your creative ideas!
If you could invent a new wild flavor of ice cream, what would it be?
What if you could conjure up the ultimate flavor of an ice cream; something vintage yet with a twist? A complete mismatch of flavor profile? Get the imagination going to think of your ultimate scoop.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
Who is your ideal history-inspired person? An intrepid scientist, iconic artist, or some mythical land leader? Let me know who it is—and why—that person probably has an amazing story.
What’s the most epic fail you’ve witnessed in gym class?
Gym class can be the silliest theater for funny fails. What was the biggest mishap you have witnessed? Oh! Do share the tale, I am bracing myself to cringe or laugh with you.
If you could time travel to any era, past or future, where would you go?
If you had a time machine, where would you want to go? Will it be the past or the future you want to visit? Tell me your dreams about the journey through time and the reason it seems appealing.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve read or watched recently?
Have you read or watched anything so cool? A gripping novel, a gripping documentary, an addictive series? Let’s talk about what got you hooked.
If you could swap places with me for a day, what would you do differently?
How do you think your life would be if we swapped for a day? Would you wear my shoes for a job? Change my music list? Or perhaps see how far you’d get with something? Just tell me honestly—I won’t take offense!
Who’s your favorite singer or band lately?
Who’s been topping your playlist lately? A rock legend, a pop diva, or an indie genius? Share your faves, and let’s talk music.
What’s your dream job, and what’s the first thing you’d do?
If you could step into your dream career tomorrow, what would it be? And what’s the first thing you’d do on the job? Let’s imagine what living the dream would really feel like!
20 Things You Should Never Tell a Teenager
To help you navigate these tricky conversations, here’s a handy list of things you should definitely not say. Avoid these 20 phrases, and you might keep the peace—and maybe even get a smile or two along the way.
20 Things You Should Never Tell a Teenager
12 Common Stereotypes About Gen Z, Do You Agree?
Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s, is often portrayed as lazy and entitled in the media. However, these stereotypes are not only outdated but also untrue. The following slideshow will debunk 12 common stereotypes about Gen Z and explore why they’re inaccurate.
12 Common Stereotypes About Gen Z, Do You Agree?