My child tells me nothing about school

You ask “How was school?” and get “fine.” You ask what happened and get “nothing.” This does not necessarily mean your child has nothing to tell you.

Short answer

Create conditions for conversation instead of increasing the number of questions. Children often talk when they feel available, not when adults schedule an interview.

What may be happening

After a long day, your child may need to decompress before talking. The question may also be too broad, or they may expect that every answer will lead to advice, correction, or more questions.

What you can do

Try being together first. A snack, a walk, a car ride, play, or doing something side by side can create a more natural opening.

Ask smaller questions:

“What made you laugh today?”

“Who did you sit with?”

“Was there any part of the day that felt long?”

Share something from your own day too, without demanding reciprocity.

When your child does tell you something, listen before solving.

What to avoid

Avoid turning the first minutes after school into an interrogation. Also avoid using information your child shares casually as an immediate reason for criticism or a lecture unless safety requires action.

If you are worried

If the silence comes with a marked change in mood, behaviour, friendships, sleep, school attendance, or performance, gather information from the school and pay closer attention.