On Our Sleeves logo
English
Sign Up
Donate

How to Start a Conversation With Kids

Kids are constantly going through a variety of emotions. How do you continue to know what they are going through? How do you build relationships so that they come to you?

By starting conversations – and keeping them going. Having conversations is crucial to healthy growth and development. And the more you practice, the more you can build your confidence to tackle life’s tough subjects with your kids, such as mental health concerns, racism and tragedy. Our resources can guide you in getting started and giving advice, along with how to talk about difficult topics.


Get Started

butterfly
HOW-TO GUIDES
Ariana Hoet

Step 1: Starting the Conversation with Kids

Ariana Hoet

Ariana Hoet, PhD (she/her)

Talking to children about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a necessary part of their healthy growth and development. Check out three tips for starting conversations – and what to do if they don’t want to talk.

guide icon
Guide

Step 2: Keeping the Conversation Going

Once you’ve started important conversations about thoughts, feelings and experiences, how do you keep kids talking and create an atmosphere where they’ll keep coming back to you with future problems or worries? How did you make that experience rewarding – and pleasant – for kids? 

guide icon
Guide

Step 3: Problem Solving and Giving Advice to Kids

Your child has opened up during a conversation and has told what you what’s going on. But you have questions, concerns or you want to provide advice. How do you react? What do you do?

guide icon
Guide

Talking to Kids About Their Mental Health

What do you do when you are worried about your child’s mental health? It’s a difficult subject, but the earlier we have these conversations, the better you can respond and get help. See our expert tips.

guide icon
Guide

Setting Limits and Rules in a Positive Way

Kids have their own thoughts, opinions and goals. And our conversations with them can sometimes wind up in arguments or frustration. Learn how you can set limits and rules while continuing to have a positive relationship with your child, despite having tough conversations.

Operation Conversation

Operation: Conversation

What is Operation: Conversation? It’s a check-in on kids' mental health. When we start simple habits of conversations, we can learn about concerns or problems kids are dealing with, help them problem solve, and build their confidence for life's difficult moments.

More Conversation Starters

guide icon
Guide

Questions to Ask Kids at the Dinner Table

With busy schedules and activities, it's sometimes challenging to start conversations with our little ones or teenagers. Sitting down together at the dinner table is the perfect opportunity. Here are some questions to help get the conversation going.

article icon
Article

Talking to Kids About Racism

If you are unsure how to start the conversation with your kids, use these resources to help guide you – from setting an example to asking the right questions.

guide icon
Guide

Talking to Kids About Current Events

Kids often become aware of current events due to conversations with peers at school or through social media. Our experts have ways to start a conversation so kids are getting correct information and have an opportunity to share how they are feeling.

guide icon
DOWNLOAD

Talking to Kids About Social Media

Social media is an important conversation for parents and caregivers to have with their kids. Get tips on how to talk to kids about what they see on social media, how they use it and get sample questions you can ask your kids. 

guide icon
Guide

Talking to Kids About Politics

Talking about politics is always tricky. A frequent question we’re asked is, "How can we navigate talking about politics with our children?"

article icon
Article

How to Start Conversations with Neurodiverse Kids

Neurodiverse children might have trouble talking about their experiences or feelings. We have ideas to help deepen your relationship and improve mental health.

guide icon
Guide

Starting Conversations with Kids Who Are Non-Verbal

You can support kids who are non-verbal making efforts to communicate their thoughts or feelings, work to implement visual or non-vocal supports, and show interest in the things that the child is excited about. 


Additional Resources

On Our Sleeves icons

How to Use the On Our Sleeves Icons

mental wellbeing

Supporting Kids' Mental Well-being

map of United States with On Our Sleeves icons

Find Mental Health Resources in Your Area

On Our Sleeves Digital Toolkit

On Our Sleeves 
Digital Toolkit