Ask a parent "How was work today?"
Practice conversational skills by asking a parent "How was work today?", listen carefully to their answer, and share a supportive follow-up comment.
Step-by-step guide to ask a parent "How was work today?"
Good Manners Story For Kids | Be Polite | Learn Manners & Good Habits For Kids
Step 1
Choose a quiet spot in your home where you and your parent can sit without interruptions.
Step 2
Sit next to your parent so you are close enough to talk comfortably.
Step 3
Take three slow deep breaths to help you feel calm and ready to listen.
Step 4
Smile at your parent to show you care and are friendly.
Step 5
Look at your parent’s face to make gentle eye contact before you speak.
Step 6
Say aloud in a friendly voice, "How was work today?"
Step 7
Stay quiet and listen carefully while your parent answers.
Step 8
If you hear a word you don’t understand, ask one short question like, "What does that mean?"
Step 9
Think of one kind thing you can say that shows you care about how they feel.
Step 10
Say your supportive follow-up comment out loud, such as, "That sounds tough — I’m proud of you" or "Do you want to talk more?"
Step 11
Say, "Thank you for telling me about your day" to show appreciation.
Step 12
Share your finished creation (a short note about the conversation or what you said) on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we can't access DIY.org or don't have a quiet room?
If DIY.org or a quiet room isn't available, write your short note on paper or in a shared family notebook and do the conversation in any calm corner of the house as described in step 1.
What should I do if my parent seems tired or distracted and doesn't answer when I ask "How was work today?"
If your parent is distracted, gently ask "Is now a good time to talk?", then follow step 3 to take three deep breaths and try again in a quieter moment or different spot from step 1.
How can I adapt the steps if I'm much younger or older than the child in this activity?
Younger children can sit on a parent's lap, use simpler words like "Was work okay?" and draw a picture for the finished note, while older kids can ask more specific follow-ups after step 7 and write a longer reflection to post on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize this conversation activity after we finish?
After saying "Thank you for telling me about your day" in step 11, personalize the activity by making a small handmade card with your supportive follow-up comment or recording the conversation with permission and sharing the brief note on DIY.org or the family fridge.
Watch videos on how to ask a parent "How was work today?"
Learn Good Manners For Kids | Learn How To Be Kind | Good Manners For Children | Good Habits
3 Videos
Learn Good Manners For Kids | Learn How To Be Kind | Good Manners For Children | Good Habits
Teaching Kids Manners - Being Polite & Respectful | Dad University
Learning Good Manners for Kids - Miss V Teaching Children with good behaviour and Being Polite
Facts about communication skills for kids
❤️ A short supportive comment like “That sounds tough” can make someone feel cared for and less stressed.
🎧 Active listening means paying full attention, asking a little, and repeating back — it helps people feel heard.
🗣️ Asking “How was work today?” is a simple, powerful conversation starter that often leads to stories and connection.
👂 By about ages 2–3, kids begin practicing conversational turn-taking, so asking questions helps them learn.
🧠 Practicing talking and listening together strengthens social skills and the brain pathways for empathy.
How do I teach my child to ask a parent "How was work today?" and listen carefully?
What materials do I need to practice this conversation activity with my child?
What ages is practicing "How was work today?" suitable for?
What are the benefits of practicing this simple parent–child conversation?
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