Have you ever sat at a dinner table and felt like the only words coming out of your kid’s mouth are, “Can I go to my room?” or “Can I be done now?” Dinner is one of the few times families consistently come together, but it can be so much more than just a time to focus on food. You can use this moment to spark curiosity, creativity, and future-ready skills in your children.
Today, we’re turning your dining table into an innovation lab right at home. It’s simpler than you think. But first, let’s talk about why this is so important.
Why Dinnertime Conversations Matter
The way kids learn to think isn’t just shaped in the classroom; it’s molded in the everyday conversations we have with them. When we ask the right questions, we’re helping our children build critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These are the exact skills they’ll need in a world where jobs are changing faster than ever. So, instead of just asking, “How was school today?” let’s explore some questions that encourage them to imagine, explore, and innovate.
Ready to transform your family meals? Watch the full episode below to see how a few simple questions can make a world of difference.
Three Questions to Spark Innovation
Here are three dinner table questions designed to get the creative juices flowing:
1. If you could invent something to make life easier, what would it be?
This question encourages kids to think like problem-solvers. One child might imagine a robot that cleans their room, while another might dream up a machine that makes homework disappear! Both are fantastic starting points for a conversation about design, innovation, and turning ideas into reality.
2. What problem in the world would you like to fix, and why?
This question builds empathy and global awareness. Your child might mention anything from littering and bullying to bigger issues like pollution. This is the perfect opportunity to guide them in brainstorming small, actionable steps they could take to help solve that problem.
3. If you could learn anything new tomorrow, what would it be?
This question inspires curiosity and self-directed learning. Whether they want to learn how to code, cook a new dish, or speak another language, their answer gives you a valuable insight into their passions. It’s a chance for you to find ways to support and nurture those interests.
Your Challenge for This Week
This week, I challenge you to try just one of these questions at the dinner table. Don’t worry about getting a “perfect” answer. The goal is simply to open up a new kind of conversation with your child. Remember, when you ask better questions, you get kids who think better.
If you try this out, I would love to hear about the innovative answers your kids come up with. Let us know how it goes!
