Ask open-ended questions and continue the conversation with follow-up questions. If they still do not respond or answer in one word, give them space and respect their privacy
Remove Distractions
Remove all distractions such as your cell phones and tablets and switch off the TV while talking to your kids. Give them all your attention and respect them opening up to you
Open Up About Your Day
Open up to your children about your day as it encourages them to model your behaviour
Be sensitive
Respond to your child’s responses in a sensitive manner be it a topic that makes them angry, sad, embarrassed or excited
Make it a habit
Make it a habit to talk to your kids daily. Set a time, be it during the ride home from school, at the dinner table or right before they go to bed