As the busyness of school and activities begins, asking open-ended questions is a great way to keep conversation going. Instead of asking your kids, “How was your day?”, throw some questions in that don’t end with “fine”, “yes”, or “no”, such as “What was a low and high point today?”, “What did you do at recess?”, “Tell me about your day.”, or “Were you able to encourage anyone that was having a hard time? Tell me about it.
It’s easy to get distracted and miss opportunities to hear about our kids’ days, but let’s take that extra second to connect through asking open-ended questions while eating a meal, tucking them into bed, or driving to the next activity. (And in case you’re wondering, no, we don’t do all those activities on the post-it-notes! (:
Jesus asked about 80 questions in the book of Luke. He not only used questions to teach truth, but also to create authentic relationship with him. Let’s do the same with our kiddos!
“But what about you,” he asked. Who do you say I am? Jesus (Luke 9:20)
What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” Jesus (Luke 10:26)
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Jesus (Luke 12:25)
“Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Jesus (Luke 15:4)
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus (Luke 18:41).
“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” Jesus (Luke 24:38)
Linsey Driskill 