Starting a conversation can be tricky for anyone, but kids have a lot less experience at it than adults. Don't worry if you're nervous. We've got some great conversation starters for kids that will make it way easier and a lot more fun, too. Next time you see someone you want to talk to, break out one of these tried-and-true ways to get a conversation going.
Ask a Question for Information
One of the easiest ways to get a conversation started with someone is to ask them a question you know has an answer they might know. This is a question with an answer that's about information, not what they are thinking or feeling. What's great about this is that they will feel confident answering (and you can feel confident asking, too). Try these examples.
- Do you know what the homework assignment was in math?
- Any idea what's for lunch today?
- Did you hear what the weather is supposed to be like later?
- Do you know how to get to the library?
Talk About Something You Share
A lot of the time time, the absolute best conversations start with something you share. This could be as simple as having the same teacher, but it can also be a common interest or a book you've both read. Here are a few ways to start a conversation about something you share.
- Did you see that new board game in the back of the class? Want to play later if there's indoor recess?
- Mrs. Johnson is supposed to have a sub tomorrow. Who do you think it will be?
- Have you finished the new Wings of Fire book yet? What do you think about the end?
- Who do you think is the best Disney villain?
Compliment Something They Have
A compliment is such a positive and kind way to start a conversation that it's really hard for people to resist chatting. This works with kids of any age. Bonus: it works with adults, too.
- I love your sweater. Where did you get it?
- That's such an awesome backpack.
- Your shoes are so cool looking.
- I really like your t-shirt.
You can also compliment the way someone does something (like playing a game or drawing) or a quality they have (like being smart), but this can be a little trickier if you don't know them very well yet.
Ask What They Think About Something
It's a nice feeling when someone asks what you think about something. It means they respect your opinion. Asking what someone thinks is a really positive way to start a conversation.
- What do you think is going to happen at the end of the book we're reading in class?
- Which Minecraft mob do you think is the funniest?
- What do you think about the new Taylor Swift album?
- What's your review of today's school lunch?
Some of the best conversation topics for kids are music, books, movies, games, memes, and anything else you both really like. Even if you don't know if they like it, you can just ask. And if they say no, you can ask why they don't.
Ask for Advice About Something
Almost everyone likes to give advice if someone asks for it (if they don't ask, it's usually better not to). You can always use this with adults, but asking for advice is an especially awesome conversation starter for kids. People don't ask kids' advice often enough, and they can be really good at giving it. Try a question like these.
- What do you think I should do to make this drawing better?
- How did you learn to do a cartwheel? I am having trouble figuring that out.
- How do you keep from getting distracted when you're trying to read? I keep getting so annoyed at my sister for being loud.
- What do you think would make my Scratch game more fun to play?
Offer to Help
If you see someone having trouble with something, offering to help is a good way to get to chatting. For one thing, it's kind. For another, it's an interaction that has a built-in activity.
- Can I help you carry that stuff?
- Are you okay? Want me to walk to the nurse's office with you?
- Do you need help finding your class? (This is super nice if a kid is new.)
- Want me to try to help you fix that?
Tell a Joke
Everyone loves to laugh (well, except the bad guys in books and movies). Telling the perfect joke is a really good way to help other people feel comfortable and kind of break the ice. This works for people of any age, so it's nice to have a few school jokes or funny stories on hand.
Related: 40+ Dinosaur Jokes That'll Give Everyone Colossal Laughs
Tips for Parents to Help Kids Start Conversations
It can actually be really tricky for parents to teach conversation starters for kids because the parents can't really be there when the kids try it out. There are a few ways to make the whole thing easier, though.
- Try a practice conversation or two. It helps to feel comfortable when you do the real thing.
- Show that you believe in your kid. It's a lot easier to feel confident when you know your parents think you can do something.
- Be a good example. When you're out together, start conversations so your kids can see how you do it.
- Don't put too much pressure on kids if they're feeling shy. They'll start a conversation when they're ready, and pressure can make anyone more nervous.
Practice Starting Conversations at Your Own Pace
Having a few conversation questions for kids on hand can make the whole process of starting a conversation much easier. It's all about practice and working at your own pace. Try a conversation starter or two each week or each month, and pretty soon, you'll be chatting with anyone.
