Back to School. Back to the Table. Five Better Questions Than “How Was Your Day?"

Back-to-school season is a reset. New schedules. New routines. New opportunities to be intentional about the things that matter most.

One routine worth bringing back? Family dinner.

But getting kids to talk about their day isn't always easy. Ask, "How was your day?" and you're likely to get the classic answer: "Fine."

Instead, try asking something more specific:

1. What made you smile today? It gives them one positive moment to remember.

2. What made you laugh today? Funny stories are often an easy doorway into bigger conversations.

3. What was the hardest thing you had to do today? It makes struggle a normal part of the conversation.

4. Who did you sit with at lunch, and what did you talk about? One simple question can open a window into their friendships and social world.

5. Did you help anyone today—or did anyone help you? A great way to talk about kindness, empathy, and noticing others.

One more tip: Go first. Answer the question about your own day before asking your child. And when they tell you something difficult, resist the urge to immediately fix it. Sometimes listening is the most important thing a parent can do.

At Sofa City, we're a locally owned business with several family members working together in the business. We believe some of life's best moments happen when families simply have a place to gather.

And sometimes, that place is the dinner table.

If your family could use a new one, stop by your local Sofa City. We have dining tables in stock and ready to take home today—so your family's next conversation could happen around a new table tonight. Or browse some of our collections here.

Back to school. Back to routines. Back to the table.