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Conversation starters for family gatherings


100 Engaging Conversation Starters for Families — A Mom Explores

  • What was the best part of your day?

  • What was the worst part of your day?

  • What makes a good friend?

  • If you could have any superpower in the world, what would it be and why?

  • What’s something you’re really good at?

  • Describe someone in the family using 3 words.

  • Describe yourself using 3 words.

  • If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

  • Would you rather go to the beach or Disney World?

  • What was your favorite place our family has traveled to?

  • If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on?

  • What’s your favorite season? Why?

  • If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

  • If you could only keep one of your toys, what would it be?

  • Name 3 things you’re thankful for.

  • What are you scared of?

  • What’s one thing you were scared to do, but you did it anyway?

  • If you got a new pet, what would it be and what would you name it?

  • What’s your favorite meal - breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

  • What’s your favorite candy?

  • If a genie gave you 3 wishes what would they be?

  • What do you want to be when you grow up?

  • What (or who) makes you laugh?

  • What makes you feel sad?

  • If you were the parent, what rules would you make?

  • What do you think is the best thing about being a kid?

  • What do you think will be the best part about being a grown-up?

  • If you could have a playdate or meal with anyone in the world, who would it be?

  • What is your least favorite chore to do?

  • If you could be part of a movie or tv show, which one would it be?

  • What is your favorite holiday and why?

  • If you could get something for free for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

  • If you had to choose a new name, what would it be?

  • Who is the funniest person in our family and why?

  • Who is the smartest person in our family and why?

  • Who is the best cook in the family?

  • What new family tradition would you like to start?

  • Do you prefer cookies or cake? Why?

  • Do you prefer candy or ice cream? Why?

  • What instrument would you like to learn?

  • If you were king or queen of the world for a day, what would you do?

  • Give someone else a compliment.

  • Tell us about a time you were very proud of yourself.

  • Would you rather be really cold or really hot?

  • What is your favorite thing to do or play outside?

  • What is your favorite thing to do or play inside?

  • Who is someone you admire? (Or who is your hero?) Why?

  • On a hot summer day, would you rather have a smoothie or a popsicle?

  • On a cold winter day, would you rather have hot chocolate or warm bread?

  • What’s your favorite thing to do in summer?

  • What’s your favorite thing to do in winter?

  • If you could only watch one movie over and over for the rest of your life, what would it be?

  • What’s your favorite cereal?

  • If you could be any age right now, what age would you be? Why?

  • Describe your perfect day. What would you eat? What would you do? Who would be there?

  • Do you prefer being around other people or being by yourself?

  • If you could decorate your own room, what would it look like?

  • If someone gave you $100, what would you buy?

  • Do you think lying is ever ok? If so, when?

  • If food started raining from the sky, what food would you want it to be?

  • Would you rather go on the slide or the swings?

  • If you had to make someone smile, what would you do?

  • What language would you like to learn?

  • If you could be famous for something, what would it be?

  • Would you rather slither like a snake for a day or hop like a frog for a day?

  • How do you show someone you love them?

  • Who is your best friend and why?

  • If you could drive any kind of car what would it be?

  • What do you love about school?

  • What do you NOT like about school?

  • How do you calm down when you’re angry?

  • Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater?

  • Tell us your favorite joke.

  • What helps you fall asleep?

  • Would you rather be a cowboy/cowgirl or a pirate?

  • What’s your favorite sport to play?

  • Where do you like to go out to eat?

  • What do you do when you’re bored?

  • Where is your favorite place to go shopping?

  • What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

  • If you could change one thing about school what would it be?

  • Tell us about a time you made a big mistake.

  • Tell us about a time you couldn’t stop laughing.

  • What’s your favorite thing to drink?

  • Would you rather fly or drive to your next vacation?

  • What is something that’s really confusing?

  • What is your favorite thing to wear?

  • If you opened a store, what would you sell?

  • What’s the best gift you ever got?

  • Would you rather go camping or stay in a hotel? Why?

  • What makes you feel better when you’re sad?

  • What’s something special you would like to do with Mom or Dad?

  • Would you rather be tall as a giant or small as a mouse? Why?

  • What’s something special or different about our family?

  • What is your favorite family tradition that we have?

  • If you invented a new holiday, what would it be?

  • Would you rather travel by boat or train? Why?

  • If you could have a robot do something for you, what would it do?

  • If your pet could talk, what would it say?

  • What are 3 things you want to do this summer?

    • 34 Conversation Starters for Your Family

    School breaks are a great time to get kids talking, start with these fun conversation starters.

    Holiday breaks from school can be long for both kids and adults. Take advantage of the time away from school to get your family talking about fun, new topics. Try some of the following conversation starters during car rides, meal time or a walk to the park.

    • If you could design your own school, what would it look like?
    • What are the most interesting things about you?
    • What’s one of your favorite jokes?
    • What’s your first memory?
    • If we all lived in a zoo, what animals would we be?
    • If you were to create a country, what would the name of the country be? What would the rules be? What would the national flag look like?
    • What do you think your parents need to remember about being a kid?
    • What would be the most fun birthday celebration you could have?
    • What would you do if you could fly for a day?
    • If you could be a character from any book, what character would you be?
    • If you could invite any person to dinner, who would you invite?
    • If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go?
    • If you were a superhero, what would your power be and what would you be called?
    • If you could go into the world of one of your favorite books, which would you choose?
    • If our family were the characters from (your kid’s favorite book, movie, etc. ), which characters would we all be?
    • If you were a great inventor, what would you invent?
    • Where in the world would you most like to live?
    • If you were a teacher, what would you teach? A certain class? A certain grade?
    • When you are an adult, how will you parent differently?
    • If you won $1000, what would you do with it?
    • Who do you think is the richest person in the world?
    • If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?
    • Name three things you are grateful for.
    • What are you most proud of?
    • What scares you and why?
    • What’s your favorite family tradition?
    • What do you think the meaning of life is?
    • What is the best dream you’ve ever had
    • Which of the four seasons do you like best and why?
    • What sound really bothers you?
    • What do you do when you’re feeling really angry?
    • Who is the funniest person you know? Why?
    • What do you do when you see someone being teased?
    • Describe yourself in five words.

    What conversation starters do you use with kids?

     

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    Includes everything from games you can play in a small space with no materials, to games you can play in a big group during recess. Search for games by age level, time/space/materials available, and by the life skills used (like problem solving or teamwork).

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    How to Start a Conversation

    Some people seem to be able to strike up a conversation, while others have difficulty making small talk. The ability to start a conversation is a valuable social skill. Whether you want to impress a potential client, strike up a conversation with a love interest, or chat with a new acquaintance, knowing how to start a conversation will help you feel more comfortable and confident in a variety of social situations.

    If you want to start a conversation better, here are some tips to improve your communication. Preliminary preparation, avoiding communication killers, and using simple conversation starters can be helpful.


    Press Play for Advice On Communicating Better

    In this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, hosted by editor-in-chief and psychotherapist Amy Morin, LCSW, bestselling author Celeste Headley talks about how to have better conversations. Click below to listen now.

    Prepare in advance

    If a room full of strangers is your waking nightmare, starting a conversation at a party or work event can be incredibly difficult. These social situations can be difficult if you are an introvert, shy, or socially anxious.

    One way to relieve anxiety is to prepare in advance. Mentally analyze what you want to discuss, and even rehearse with a friend. The first step to being a great conversationalist is to be prepared.

    If you feel nervous before starting a conversation, try these three simple strategies:

    1. Stay positive: Stop worrying about mistakes and believe in yourself. Worrying about what you will say next can cause you to lose the thread of the conversation. Instead, use active listening and focus on the other person and what they are saying.
    2. Breathe out deeply: If you are tense and nervous, you are unlikely to feel at ease. Try to stay relaxed and let the conversation flow naturally.
    3. Introduce yourself: One of the easiest ways to start a conversation is to simply introduce yourself and then let the other person do the same. Once this initial "icebreaker" has taken place, try asking a simple question or making a simple remark to inspire further discussion.

    Conclusion

    Before starting a conversation, take a deep breath, focus on the other person and start with a simple self-image.

    Beware of conversation killers

    Although it goes without saying, there are a few things to avoid if you don't know the person very well.

    While political commentary, gossip, complaints, and offensive jokes may be what your uncle starts off with at family gatherings, this is probably not the kind of example you should try to emulate in everyday life.

    When you start a conversation, avoid anything that is offensive, controversial, or uncomfortable. There is a time and place for expressing your opinion or even trying to convince others, but before you get into a passionate discussion, make sure that such topics are welcome.

    Some research suggests that when it comes to opening a conversation, it's best to stick to relatively innocuous comments. In one study, participants were asked to rate the effectiveness of several initial lines that might come from a potential romantic partner: flippant "pick-up" lines, open-ended, innocuous questions, and a direct approach.

    Few respondents rated the pick-up line approach, but responses were divided as to preference for the other two initial styles. Women preferred innocuous questions ("What's your favorite team?"), while men preferred a more direct approach ("I'd like to buy you a drink!").

    Conclusion

    When choosing a way to strike up a conversation with a stranger, it is best to take a harmless approach. This way of starting a conversation, as a rule, is less threatening, but at the same time prompting the interlocutor to give some kind of answer.

    Maintain a positive attitude

    Try to start the conversation on a positive note. Stay away from complaints and negative remarks. Regardless of the situation, you can find something positive to say.

    Comment on the weather, the food, the company, or the event itself. Saying something as simple as saying you're having a good time and hope the other person has a good experience too is a good way to start a conversation. Even if the situation itself is not ideal, try to give it a positive connotation.

    Starting comments

    • "That was a really great presentation, wasn't it?"
    • "Whoever organized this event certainly did a great job!"
    • "Your presentation was excellent. I feel like I really learned a lot!"
    • "It's rather cold today, but the weather forecast says it'll be nice and sunny tomorrow. "

    People tend to respond better to a positive comment than a negative one. This helps to show that you are a pleasant person who pays attention to what is happening. A positive attitude also helps to put others at ease. As a result, people will be more interested in continuing the conversation with you.

    Start simple

    Not every good conversation has to start with a deep, philosophical, crushing observation. Simple comments or icebreaker questions are a great way to start a conversation.

    Examples:

    • "The weather was fine."
    • "The food here is delicious."
    • "How do you know the owner?"
    • "Are you having a good time?"

    Commenting on the weather, the room, or the food might seem like a cliché, but there's a reason this kind of icebreaker works so well. This is a simple and easy way to start a conversation by suggesting a little in common between two strangers. Talking about unimportant things can lead to further conversations about personal preferences, past, hobbies, and deeper topics that can help build social bonds between people.

    What research says

    In one study published in Psychological Science , researchers conducted naturalistic observation of participants by recording both small talk and deep conversations over several days. They found that people who had deeper, more personal conversations also had higher levels of happiness.

    This could mean that happy people are more likely to engage others in meaningful conversations, but it could also mean that such meaningful conversations can lead to greater happiness. The researchers believe that "the findings suggest that a happy life is more social than lonely, and more deep than superficial."

    Not everyone enjoys making small talk, but it can be an important first step towards deeper and more meaningful conversations. For example, asking a person about what they are currently working on can lead to a deeper conversation about goals for the future.

    Although a conversation often begins by focusing on small, trivial things, research shows that deeper conversations can be associated with greater happiness and well-being.

    Learning how to start a conversation can help you make more meaningful social connections.

    Ask for help

    Asking a question is a great way to start a conversation. This not only gives you a reason to engage the other person in the conversation, but also gives them a chance to be helpful.

    Using this approach, start with something simple that can be done without much effort. For example, you can ask if he knows what time the seminar starts or how to get to a certain place.

    Start a conversation

    • "Do you happen to know where I can get a schedule?"
    • "Did you see the earring? I think I lost one."
    • "Do you know if snacks will be served after the seminar?"

    One advantage of this approach is that a simple question can lead to further conversation on other topics. After you have asked your question, and the interlocutor has offered his help, something like a mutual social contract arises between you and your interlocutor.

    Since he offered his help, you should now thank him and introduce yourself. This can serve as an opportunity for you to learn more about the interlocutor - who he is, what brought him here, and other questions that are relevant to this setting and situation.

    Check your body language

    Sometimes what you don't say is just as important as what you say. When entering a new conversation, it is important to pay attention to non-verbal communication.

    Body language can be used to convey interest and emotion. For example, a friendly facial expression, comfortable posture, and good eye contact can show that you are genuinely interested in learning more about the other person. On the other hand, slouching, looking away, or frowning can make the other person feel bored or uninterested.

    Rewarding non-verbal cues include:

    • Open posture , which involves keeping your torso open and your arms relaxed, helps convey a sense of friendliness.
    • Good eye contact means looking into the other person's eyes. Don't make eye contact, it can be threatening. Instead, be natural, make eye contact, but occasionally look away.
    • Smiling can be helpful if it looks sincere and natural. Try not to put on a big smile, but try to put on a casual but cheerful expression.

    Listen and show interest

    It can be scary trying to talk to someone when you seem to have little in common. In such situations, a useful way to start a conversation can be to try to get the other person to talk about their interests, work or experience.

    Ask a question about what the person is doing and then focus on really listening to what they have to say. People often like to talk about what they're passionate about, so showing genuine interest in what other people enjoy can be great fuel for a great conversation.

    Chatting in text format or social networks

    If you are trying to start a conversation in text format or on the Internet, the same rules apply. Start simple and ask a question, preferably one that requires more than just a yes or no answer. Stay positive and show interest in what the other person has to say.

    Set the balance

    Good conversation does not depend on any one approach.

    The best conversations combine questions, the ability to listen to what other people have to say, and the ability to talk about yourself.

    A simple conversation can be started like this:

    • Ask a few basic questions ("Did you like the presentation?")
    • Listen to the answer ("It was great! I think I really learned a lot!")
    • Share your own thoughts ("I think so too. I already have some ideas on how I can incorporate these tips into my workflow.")
    • The next process can be repeated by asking another question, or your interlocutor can ask a question about your previous answer.)

    You may also find it helpful to ask open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For example, you might ask, "How did you like the speaker?" instead of "Did you like the presenter?"

    Learning how to start a conversation is an important skill that will help you make social connections in a variety of contexts. This can be difficult at first, especially if you suffer from shyness or social anxiety, but lots of practice is the key to becoming more comfortable talking to other people.

    Try looking at each of these interactions as training. The more often you initiate discussions with other people, the stronger your conversational skills will become.

    3 Rules for Good Conversation

    Three simple rules to help you have a better conversation:

    1. Listen carefully and do not interrupt
    2. Ask questions
    3. Keep the conversation positive

    Word from Verywell

    Establishing strong social bonds is essential for both physical and mental health. Research has shown that building social relationships is associated with a stronger immune system, increased life expectancy, reduced anxiety levels, empathy for others, and increased self-esteem. By learning how to start a conversation, you will be better able to build social connections that are so important for health and well-being. Tips for Awkward Conversations 3 Sources We only use high quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to back up the facts in our articles. Check out our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and ensure that our content is accurate, reliable, and authentic.

    1. Jahromi VK, Tabatabaee SS, Abdar ZE, Rajabi M. Active listening: The key to successful communication among hospital managers. Electron Physician . 2016-8(3):2123-2128. doi:10.19082/2123

    2. Kleinke CL, Meeker FB, Staneski RA. Preference for opening lines: comparing ratings by men and women. Sex Roles . 1986 15:585-600. doi:10.1007/BF00288216

    3. Mehl MR, Vazire S, Holleran SE, Clark CS. Eavesdropping on Happiness: Wellbeing is associated with fewer small talk and more meaningful conversations. Psychol Sci . 2010-21(4):539-541. doi:10.1177/0956797610362675

    Additional reading

    Kendra Cherry
    Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant who helps students study psychology.

    Name of the Family Day event

    Rubric: Names

    Here is a collection of names for Family Day events. Each list item is a self-sufficient (full, complete) title text.

    • "The Science of Being a Family"
    • "Under the Family Umbrella"
    • "Family is a magical symbol of life"
    • "Different families are needed, different families are important"
    • "Advice and love"
    • "What is the most important thing in the world? »
    • "My family is a happy future"
    • "Family in the lens"
    • "Family around the world"
    • "Love and fidelity - two wings of the family"
    • "Reliable rear and safe haven"
    • "We are one family!"
    • “This is our family…”
    • "Happiness and peace to your home!"
    • "For the family!"
    • “We are painting happiness”
    • “Under the cover of Peter and Fevronia”
    • “Joy and sorrow are always divided!”
    • "My Heart"
    • "Family Fortress: Tested by Time"
    • "Family - the Great Kingdom of Love"
    • "The Simple Science of Listening to Each Other"
    • "My Roots in My Family"
    • "7-I"
    • "Keeping both fidelity and love"
    • "Family flash mob"
    • “Weather at home”
    • “In the circle of loved ones and relatives”
    • “Families and new technologies”
    • “Nothing is dearer in the world”
    • “Family Academy”
    • “It’s fun to walk together…”
    • "In the name of the family"
    • "Let's write a novel about us - a life-long, clean copy. .."
    • "The whole family together - then the soul is in place"
    • "Family tree branches"
    • "Developing families"
    • "Glorious songs are worthy of a family man"
    • “I live there, there is my peace…”
    • “Family issue on the pages of books”
    • “The crown of all values ​​is the family”
    • “Together we are invincible”
    • “It’s good that there is a family – it protects from troubles me”
    • “Family is us”
    • “Look how kind!”
    • Problems of the Modern Family
    • Family and Inclusive Society
    • One Whole
    • World of Family = World of Love
    • Patrons of Family Happiness
    • "Ecology of the family"
    • "God bless the family"
    • "More important than the values ​​of others!"
    • “Portrait of a family in the interior of time”
    • “History of marriage”
    • “Family - Earth constellation”
    • “Romashkoy mood”
    • “Anthem Family”
    • “Perfect pair”
    • “Family Treasure Island”
    • 2222222222222222 “We are of the same blood”
    • “Family crafts”
    • “Family and aging: opportunities and challenges”
    • “Keep the fire of love”
    • “The city is glorious with the family”
    • “The best monument to the home is the house”
    • “Family ties are silent strings”
    • “Russian family: customs and rituals”
    • “Family ark”
    • “Family and unity of thoughts Affairs
    • Family Coat of Arms
    • Family, Education and Welfare
    • Warmth and Light of the Hearth
    • Unquenchable Love
    • Family Gatherings
    • Family, Healthy Lifestyle and Sustainable Future
    • Chamomile Ball
    • Family Circle
    • Happy Together
    • Families for People of All Ages
    • Family Traditions
    • Fairy Tale Living in a Family
    • Everything Can Be Done With Her tough…”
    • “The ABC of family relations”
    • “In the kitchen with the whole family”
    • “Gender equality and the rights of children in modern families”
    • “Family University”
    • “Family is a small Universe”
    • through the ages love and fidelity"
    • "Chamomile carousel"
    • "Family is my small Motherland"
    • "The river of times in love originates"
    • "Family ball"
    • "I have your surname, you have my love"
    • "Family traditions of the peoples of different countries”
    • “Seven I = family”
    • “Their union can be an example…”
    • “Everything starts with the family”
    • “At the samovar”
    • “The family world from A to Z”
    • "Family - the world of creativity"
    • "We are responsible for each other"
    • “Family is fun!”
    • “More than love…”
    • “The key role of families in achieving development goals”
    • “The family is a source of inspiration”
    • “The warmth of home”
    • “Building a family based on partnership”
    • “Love and faith sample”
    • “Family – how much is in this word…”
    • “Love and be loved!”
    • "Family as habitat"
    • "Balance between work and family responsibilities"
    • Family Festival
    • World of a Young Family
    • Give Daisies to Your Loved Ones
    • Family: Problems of Difficult Children
    • Tree of Life
    • Iceberg of Family Communication How to Build a Happy Family
    • One Hope for Love
    • Solving Poor Families and Social Exclusion Problems
    • Family Walk
    • Parental Home Foundation
    • Healthy Family
    • “Family Leisure”
    • “Let happiness in the house last forever”
    • “My family is my wealth”
    • “Joys of family life”
    • “The history of my family in the history of my native land”
    • “Dialogue of generations”
    • "Russian Home: How to Start a Family and Raise Children"
    • "The Banner of the Family is Love"
    • "The most important thing is the weather in the house"
    • "The Scarlet Sails of Family, Love and Fidelity"
    • "The State in Miniature"
    • " Families are the first victims of poverty and homelessness”
    • "Steps of Family Happiness"
    • "Family - Favorite Space"
    • "One Daisy, Two Daisies"
    • "My Talented Family"
    • "What do you need to live together?"
    • "Vivat, family!"
    • “Bring back the melody of love”
    • “Family is the beginning of all beginnings”
    • “Where did this holiday come from”
    • “My happy family”
    • “Writers' view of family values”
    • “From the life of famous families”
      • "Family Vernissage"
    • “A family warmed by love, always reliable and strong”
    • “With the whole family”
    • “The fundamental role of the family in the process of human development”
    • “The heart of the family is love”
    • “It is important to believe and forgive…”
    • “ Modern family: ABC for two"
    • "Know how to cherish love"
    • "Family: from "I" to "We"
    • "Look into the family album"
    • "Parade of families"
    • "Petals of my family"
    • "Love and cherish"
    • “The story of one family”
    • “We talk about family through poems”
    • “The flower of love – chamomile”
    • “Family through the eyes of a child”
    • “Love is beautiful impulses”
    • “At home with the whole family”
      • “Strong family” – Strong Russia”
    • “Secrets of Family Education”
    • “Good Wizards of the Family”
    • “Family Alphabet Starts with “We”
    • “A Wise Book – Helper in the Family”
    • “Family Kaleidoscope”
    • “Family Friendly Family” "
    • “Family is the best medicine for the heart”
    • “I look at you like in a mirror”
    • “Family, with family, about family”
    • “A little about family law”
    • “The stronghold of earthly existence…”
    • “ Family secrets”
    • “Love and fidelity rule the world”
    • “For the sake of the happiness of the family”
    • “The impact of migration on the family”
    • “We are each other’s gentle echo”
    • “The wisdom of books will be able to unite the family”
    • Love in Russian
    • Family Traditions in Russia
    • “The soul asks to go there…”
    • “Her Majesty is the family”
    • “Swan fidelity”
    • “Family portrait”
    • “For the family to be safe”
    • “The art of being together”
    • “Family is the repository of the soul »
    • “Family whirlwind”
    • “Mothers and families: challenges of a changing world”
    • “To the theater with the whole family”
    • “And together they are not bored at all .
      Learn more