“What Did You Do Today?”

Supporting Young Children in Sharing About Their Day
If you’ve ever asked your child, “How was your day?” and received a one-word answer—or none at all—you’re not alone. This common question, while well-intentioned, can feel too big or vague for young children to answer meaningfully. Fortunately, there are ways to help children remember and reflect on their experiences while strengthening your connection with them.

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Why It’s Hard to Answer “How Was Your Day?”

According to child development experts at the Fred Rogers Institute, young children live deeply in the moment. Their days are full of new experiences, feelings, and sensory input, which can make it difficult to summarize the day in a neat response. Additionally, abstract or general questions may not match how children process or recall information.

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From a Montessori perspective, children learn through hands-on experiences, and their understanding is built through concrete, real interactions. Talking about those experiences in a reflective way takes time, support, and gentle guidance.

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Try Prompting Questions Instead

Rather than asking broad questions, consider offering more specific prompts that help anchor your child’s memory. Here are some Montessori-aligned and relationship-centered examples:

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• “What materials did you work with today?”

• “Did you spend time in the Peace Corner?”

• “What made you smile today?”

• “Who did you sit next to at lunch?”

• “Did you do something with your hands that you liked?”

• “What was something new you tried today?”

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These types of questions invite storytelling, rather than pressure for performance or recall. They also show your child that you’re truly interested in their experiences—not just the results.

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Support Memory Through Routines and Cues

To help children remember their day:

• Give time and space. Try talking during a relaxed moment—on a walk, in the car, or while preparing a snack together.

• Use visual or sensory cues. “You have paint on your sleeve—did you do art today?”

• Reflect with photos or artwork. If your child brings home something from school, ask about how they made it or what part they enjoyed most.

• Tell a story yourself. Sharing something about your own day sets an example: “I had a cup of tea with lemon—it made me think of the one you made me last week.”

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Creating a Culture of Connection

Fred Rogers often said, "Feelings are mentionable and manageable.” The same is true for memories and experiences. When we create a safe, calm, and attentive environment for conversation, children feel heard and valued. Over time, this builds a rich foundation for emotional awareness, vocabulary, and trust.

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At Parkside, we honor the child’s voice and support their natural development—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. You can continue that journey at home by meeting your child where they are, one thoughtful question at a time.