Have you ever found yourself at a dinner table where the only words from your kids are, “Can I go to my room now?” It’s a common scene, but what if you could change it? Dinner is one of the few precious times a family consistently comes together. Instead of letting it be just about the food, you can use this moment to spark curiosity, creativity, and the skills your children will need for the future.
The way children learn to think isn’t just shaped in the classroom; it’s molded through the everyday conversations we have with them. When we ask the right questions, we’re not just making small talk. We are actively helping them build a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These are the exact skills they’ll need to navigate a world where jobs and challenges are changing faster than ever.
So, instead of the classic “How was school today?”, let’s explore questions that encourage them to imagine, explore, and innovate. Turning your dinner table into an innovation lab is easier than you think.
Here are three simple, yet powerful, questions to transform your family meals.
1. If you could invent something to make life easier, what would it be?
This question immediately gets kids to think like problem-solvers. You’re not just asking them to dream; you’re asking them to identify a problem and create a solution. Whether they come up with a robot that cleans their room or a machine that makes homework disappear, their answers are fantastic starting points. You can follow up by asking about the design, how it would work, and who it would help, opening up a fun conversation about design and innovation.
2. What problem in the world would you like to fix, and why?
Moving from personal convenience to global issues, this question builds empathy and awareness. Your child might mention anything from local littering to bigger issues like pollution or bullying. This is the perfect opportunity to guide a conversation about how even small steps can make a difference. It teaches them that they have the power to think about solutions and contribute positively to the world around them.
3. If you could learn anything new tomorrow, what would it be?
This question is all about inspiring a love for lifelong, self-directed learning. Their answer—whether it’s learning to code, cook a new dish, or speak another language—gives you a direct insight into their passions. By showing interest and helping them explore these curiosities, you are nurturing their intrinsic motivation to learn and grow.
Your Challenge for the Week
Don’t feel pressured to ask all three at once. Just pick one question this week and see where the conversation goes. The goal isn’t to get a “perfect” answer but to simply open up a new, more meaningful dialogue with your child. Remember, when you ask better questions, you raise kids who think better, equipping them with the tools they need to become the innovators of tomorrow.
