How Do I Get My Child to Talk About Their Day at School?

If you have ever picked up your child from school, asked “What did you do today?” and received “Nothing” or a shrug in response, you are living a universal parenting experience. At Mulberry House International Kindergarten, we are often asked why children seem reluctant to share their school day — and how parents can open up the conversation.

Why "Nothing" is Developmentally Normal

First, a reassuring explanation: the “nothing” response is completely developmentally normal. Young children live very much in the present. By the time they are in the car or at home, they have mentally moved on from school. They are not withholding — their brains have simply filed the experience away. Asking a broad, open-ended question like “What did you do?” is actually quite hard for a young child to answer.

Practical Strategies for Better Conversations

1. Ask Specific Questions
The key is to ask smaller, more specific questions. Instead of “What did you do today?”, try:

“Did you go outside today — what did you find?”
“Who did you sit next to at snack time?”
“What made you laugh today?”

Key Takeaway: Specific questions give children a concrete hook to hang their memories on.

2. Give Them Time to Decompress
Timing matters too. Many children need decompression time after school before they are ready to talk. Rather than asking questions immediately at pickup, allow 20 to 30 minutes of snack, quiet play, or simply being together before you open the conversation. You may find the stories start to emerge naturally.
3. Share Your Own Day First
“I had a really interesting meeting today — we were trying to solve a problem and it took a long time.”
When children hear parents talk about their experiences, they understand that sharing your day is a normal part of family life, and they are more likely to reciprocate.
4. Read Together as a Bridge
Read together and use books as a bridge. Many children find it easier to talk about feelings and experiences when a story provides the starting point.
“That character felt scared about going somewhere new — have you ever felt like that?”
These indirect routes often unlock conversations that direct questions cannot.

Partnering with Mulberry House

At Mulberry House, we keep detailed observation notes and share regular updates with families so you always have a starting point for conversation. Our teachers love when parents tell us what children say at home — it helps us understand each child more fully.

Contact us on WhatsApp at Tai Po Campus 5598 0909/Southside Campus 5598 0555/Central Campus 5598 0509 or fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!