by Rachel Wells

Small talk is hugely important, and being able to start a conversation, stay engaged, and think on your feet are skills that children need to master – not only for creating meaningful relationships now, but for adulthood as well.

These skills require patience and practice, and in order to foster good habits, it’s important for parents to spend time talking with their children and showing them what good communication looks like.

The following tips can help your child become a master at small talk (with the added bonus of adding in some extra opportunities to connect.)

Ask Questions

Asking questions is great way to start up a conversation, and a really simple skill to model. Since your child is a captive audience when they’re in the car it’s a perfect time to demonstrate good communication by asking them their thoughts and opinions, or playing a game of would you rather.

Board games also provide a great opportunity for parents and kids to practice the art of starting a conversation with a question. Ask simple questions such as “Why did you pick that piece?” or more in-depth questions like “Do you have a specific plan or strategy to win?” Remember to keep the conversation going throughout the game.

Give Compliments

Giving a compliment is such an easy way to strike up a conversation, so model it with your children on a regular basis.

Model Active Listening

Repeat back what your child says in conversations to help them feel heard and reassure them that you understood them correctly.

Table Talk

Try to have everyone eat meals together more days than not. Go around in a circle and give everyone a chance to talk about something good, bad, and funny that happened to them during the day.

Another easy idea to spur mealtime conversation is to leave out a deck of conversation starters to help guide family conversations at the table.

Talking Point Cards – Family Edition

As your child’s confidence grows, so will their ability to create meaningful connections through the art of conversation.