Asking & listening toolbox

Tool 14 · Phrase · Free

Ask an Inviting Question

You want your child's perspective and are willing to hear an answer different from yours.

Try this

“I see it differently, and I'd like to understand your view. Is now a good time?”

How to use it

An invitation leaves room for a brief answer, a disagreement, or another time. It does not hide a test of whether your child agrees with you.

  1. Check the moment before asking.
  2. Ask one answerable question about their experience or view.
  3. Listen through the answer before responding.
  4. Accept a pass unless necessary care or safety requires a separate check.

What it can sound like

These are illustrative examples. Adjust the words to your family and your child's needs.

Ages 6–12

“Which part of the trip surprised you?”

Ages 13–18

“What matters most to you about that plan?”

Watch out for

Questions such as 'You don't really think that's okay, do you?' already contain the answer.

If it doesn't fit this moment

“We can leave it for now. Let me know if you want to talk later.”

Free template

An invitation to talk

Use the prompts for your own preparation. Entries stay in this tab and are not saved or sent to BondSeed. Download your text before leaving the page.

Blank PDF

Go a little deeper

Reference reading

These public references support relevant communication principles. They do not validate this tool as an assessment or a tested script.