Closed-ended: "How was school today?" Open-ended: "Tell me about the test you had in Algebra today?

" Examples of open-ended questions in talking to teens:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Can you help me understand your interest in playing the drums? Tell me more about that What's going well in school for you right now? What concerns do you have about going to school? I want to know more about what you're saying What are your thoughts when youre angry? Tell me some details about your favorite thing about summer? How does it make you feel? What are the things you would change about school to make it more enjoyable? If you could talk with someone in history who would it be and what would you talk about? Tell me the best ways you learn? If you could live in any other country for 2 years where would you go? Why? What would you do? What are 3 things you would do if you won the lottery? Why? What are 5 things you want to accomplish in life? How do you think youll do it? Tell me about the person you admire most If you could have lunch with anyone living who would it be? What are some things you would talk about? Who are the people who really make you laugh? What are the things those people do that make you laugh? Who are you? What defines who you are? Tell me about what scares you most about life. . . What are the things which excite you most about life? Whats your priority list right now?

Your teen son may act annoyed or disinterested in your questions, but be persistent. If youre sincere with questions and are gentle with your approach your son will realize that you mean what you say and you are truthfully interested in their life.