Hey moms!
We all know that by the time bedtime rolls around, we’re usually running on empty.
The day’s chaos – meals, schoolwork, chores, and all the little moments in between – can leave us just wanting to put our feet up.
But I learned that this quiet night can be one of the precious moments we share with our children.
They are most open and ready to talk at bedtime, and it’s a perfect time to connect, hear their hearts, and create memories.
I realized that something was changing when I asked my kids questions at bedtime. They were more communicative, more thoughtful, and even happy for the night talk.
Today, I have 12 questions you can ask your kids before bed. These are not just questions but conversation starters that bring comfort, laughter, and insight into their little world.
Why Goodnight Conversations Matter
Moms, there is something so special about bedtime. Quietness falls over the earth, distractions fade, and our children are nestled close for safety and love.
Since they are also more receptive at this time, they can reflect on their day better and share some of the things they rarely say during the hustle and bustle of daylight hours.
Dr. Laura Markham from Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids emphasizes that bonding with our child at bedtime builds trust and keeps them emotionally healthy.
It is a good time to cool them down after talking with them about their feelings, validating them.
Letting them share their stories and thoughts can help you understand what is going on in the minds and hearts of children.
So let’s dive into these 12 questions that I have found so enormously helpful in my journey as a mom.
1. What’s One Good Thing That Happened to You Today?
I always begin with that question every time because it helps them end the day on a positive note.
It teaches them to look for good even on days when things didn’t go as planned.
According to Dr. Robert Emmons, who is one of the pioneers in gratitude research, practicing gratitude improves sleep and fills one with happiness.
Guess what? The same is true for our children!
If nothing comes to mind, ask them to recall an easy experience, such as a victory at a game or receiving a compliment from someone their age.
Even mundane triumphs are worth celebrating.
2. Was There Something Sneaky You Had to Put Up with Today?
I love asking this question. It opens up a platform for my children to discuss their issues or frustrations that they may have encountered.
Serving as an avenue, it lets them know that I am here to listen, support, and help them work their way through tough moments.
When they share, feel empathetic. You might say, “Wow, that sounds really hard. How did you feel when that happened?”
It teaches them that it’s okay to talk about the tricky parts of life and that we are always here to help them work through it.
3. Is There Anything Else You Want to Share with Me About Your Day?
Sometimes the little things they want to share just don’t fit neatly into other questions.
This open-ended prompt shows them that you are really interested in hearing anything they have to say—from the funny joke a friend told them to a moment that made them think.
Do not interrupt. Show them that their voice matters and you trust them enough to listen to even the silliest of stories.
4. Is There Something About Your Day You Wish You Could Change?
This question teaches my children reflection and growth. It’s okay for them to go back and think about what they would do differently.
This builds their problem-solving skills and allows them to approach the next day from a different perspective.
If they say something regretful, help them brainstorm solutions or ways they can handle it if it happens again in the future.
5. What Made You Laugh Today?
It is a family favorite because it will most surely provoke smiles and giggles before bedtime.
Laughter is good for the soul, and sharing these happy moments helps us all end the day on a joyful note.
If they can’t think of anything, don’t hesitate to share something funny that happened to you. It shows even on hard days, there’s always room for a laugh.
6. Who Did You Help Today?
This is a beautiful way of teaching empathy and kindness. It helps my kids see that their actions, no matter how small, are important.
And it makes them recall how good it feels to help others, fostering a sense of community.
Praise their efforts to share a snack or help a friend with homework. It reinforces that helping is rewarding and valued.
7. Something New You Learned Today?
Whether it’s a school fact, a great observation, or simply an interesting word, it keeps their curiosity alive.
Learning is not just something that takes place in a classroom but rather something to be found anywhere.
Cheer for the answers, no matter how small they may be. If they learned how to spell that tricky word or discovered a cool dinosaur fact, show them you are as excited as they are!
8. What is One Thing You’re Grateful for Right Now?
It’s beneficial to end the day appreciatively, letting our children and us not forget a few more simple blessings.
It changes their focus from worries into great blessings. And let’s not forget how a change in perspective can do wonders as mothers too, don’t we?
If they cannot think of anything, share a moment of your own gratitude. It could be as simple as sunshine or a good blanket to wrap up in.
Let them see that gratitude can be found even in the smallest things.
9. What Are You Looking Forward to Tomorrow?
This one keeps their minds focused on the good side of what’s ahead. It builds excitement and shows that every day is a new opportunity for fun and discovery.
If they’re feeling uncertain, remind them of something small to look forward to, like breakfast or reading a favorite story together.
10. Did You Feel Proud of Yourself Today?
I love this question because it allows for self-recognition. Your children should feel proud of any big or small effort and achievement.
It feeds their self-esteem and helps them develop a good self-image.
When they share, affirm their pride. You can say, “I’m glad you feel proud—I am too!” It makes them feel seen and valued.
11. What Was the Best Part of Your Day?
I actually use it as a quick recap question sometimes. It reminds my kids to reflect on the day and shows them that no matter how bad it’s been, there is always a silver lining. It’s an easy way to remind them to look for the good.
Share your own “best part” to make it a two-way conversation. It could be something as simple as having a quiet moment with them or watching them play happily.
12. What Did You Do That Was Kind to Yourself Today?
We teach them how to be kind to others, but so often forget to encourage kindness towards themselves.
This is the question to allow them to learn to take care of themselves, too, and resting, playing, and caring for themselves too, is very important in life.
When they still don’t respond, get ideas for the next day—maybe it’s drawing, reading, or even resting—just to help them understand that it’s never selfish to care for themselves.
Conclusion
Bedtime conversations become the most special time of the day for both of you and your child.
Even as we close the day inquiring, we are not only closing the day but, also, creating an environment that would not be threatening to our kids so that they feel comfortable in sharing, laughing, and learning.
It can strengthen our bond, deepen their emotional intelligence, make them feel seen and loved.
Start small. Select a few questions you’re interested in and try them out tonight.
You’ll soon realize how easy it is for a conversation to add so much warmth and connection to the end of your day.
May bedtime turn into something you both look forward to – filled with memories and full hearts.
