Free Conversation Starters for Kids and the Adults Who Care for Them
13 prompts designed with researchers to help you have real conversations with the kids in your life — at dinner, in the car, or any quiet moment.
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Here are all 13 conversation starters designed with our Scientific Advisor’s to help you speak meaningful connection with the kids you care about. Try one tonight during dinner, car rides or quiet moments. Each question is crafted to build emotional awareness and authentic relationships.
Think of a time when someone teased you because you looked different from them. How did it make you feel? If you see someone else being teased because of how they look, what could you say or do to help?
Honor Multifaceted Identities
What does "diversity" mean to you? Try to think of as many ways to define "diversity" as you can. What are some of the ways in which people can differ from each other?
When you think about the word "culture," what comes to mind? How would you explain your family's culture to somebody outside your family?
Nurture Authentic Relationships
People have lots of important friendships in their lives, and some friendships are closer than others. For you, what qualities, experiences, or traits make somebody a "best friend", instead of a "good friend"? What is special about the "best friends" in your life?
Thinking about the relationships in your life—including family, friends, and mentors/teachers—who are you closest to?
Are these people the same as those you were closest to 5 years ago? Why do you think your relationships might have shifted over time?
Relationships aren't always easy. What was the last big fight, conflict, or disagreement you had with somebody close to you? How did you work through it?
Think about mentors in your life. These might be teachers, coaches, or any other adult who cares about and supports you. What do you think makes somebody a good mentor?
What is one thing about relationships/friendships that you find challenging?
Scaffold Emotional Growth
When you feel _______, where/how do you feel that in your body?
What is one thing that you experience or have strong feelings about, that you wish we could talk about more?
What's something you feel nervous or stressed about for the future? That you feel excited about for the future?
When was the last time you felt really (fill in an emotion)? How did you know you were having that feeling (e.g., what were the 'invisible clues' in your mind or in your body, that let you know what emotion you were having)? How would others know you were experiencing that feeling?
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All 13 prompts on beautifully illustrated pages
Context for when and how to use each question
Definitions of key concepts
Introductions to the Guiding Practices
Printable 8.5 x 11 format perfect for sharing
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Big Emotion Cards
Interactive cards to help kids recognize and name foundational emotions. Perfect for children who struggle to put feelings into words. Works alongside conversation starters to build emotional vocabulary and give you concrete talking points.
Based on CANDLab research
Handling Big Emotions with Kids Takes Practice
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