For parents
You don't need to
fix anything.
You just need to ask better questions. The kind that don't sound like interrogation, don't end the conversation in three words, and give your kid a reason to keep talking. We've put together a starter pack — one episode, three prompts, that's it.
Listen first.
When they share, the right move is almost never advice. The right move is the next question.
Pick a moment, not a topic.
'How's school?' gets you 'fine.' 'What's one thing this week that surprised you?' gets you a story.
Make it asynchronous.
Send an episode. Send a prompt. Let them respond when they're ready, not when you happen to call.
The conversation kit.
Send your kid the episode. Listen to it yourself. Then pick one of these prompts. (Don't ask all three. That's an interview, not a conversation.)
- 1
"What's something about your living situation that you've never told me about?"
- 2
"If you had to pick again, would you pick the same roommate? Be honest, I won't be weird about it."
- 3
"What's one thing you wish your dorm or apartment had that it doesn't?"
- 1
"Which class is kicking your butt right now, and what would actually help?"
- 2
"Is there a professor you'd take any class from, no matter the subject? Why?"
- 3
"If you could drop one class with no consequences, which one and why?"
- 1
"Are you doing too much, not enough, or just the right amount? How do you know?"
- 2
"Is there something you joined that you secretly want to quit but feel like you can't?"
- 3
"What's one thing on campus you've been curious about but haven't tried?"
- 1
"When in your week do you feel the most behind? When do you feel the most ahead?"
- 2
"What's the one thing that would make your week feel less chaotic — that you're not doing?"
- 3
"How can I help without micromanaging?"
- 1
"What's the most expensive surprise you've had this semester?"
- 2
"If I gave you $200 right now with no questions asked, where would it go?"
- 3
"What's something about money you wish I'd told you before college?"
Got a question you wish your kid would answer?
Send it to us — we might use it on a future episode.