The good news? You don’t need to be funny, modern or tech-savvy to connect with kids. You just need better conversation starters.
This guide will help you learn what to talk about with kids on phone or video calls, how to keep them engaged and how to adjust conversations for different age groups.
Why Kids Lose Interest in Phone & Video Calls
What to Talk About With Kids on Phone or Video Calls (So They Don’t Walk Away!)
Do your phone or video calls with children end like this?
You say hello. You ask, “How are you?” then “What did you eat?” then “How was school today?” and “How are your studies?”
The child nods, answers in one word… and quietly walks away.
If you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or family friend, you’re not alone. Most kids today get bored of the same questions—not because they don’t love you, but because conversations don’t feel interesting or relevant to them.
The good news? You don’t need to be funny, modern or tech-savvy to connect with kids. You just need better conversation starters.
This guide will help you learn what to talk about with kids on phone or video calls, how to keep them engaged and how to adjust conversations for different age groups.
Why Kids Lose Interest in Phone & Video Calls
Children today:
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- Have shorter attention spans
- Are used to interactive communication
- Get asked about food, marks, and routine all the time
When conversations feel like an interview or interrogation, kids disengage. What they really enjoy are:
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- Stories
- Imagination
- Being heard
- Feeling curious and involved
Golden Rules for Talking to Kids (Any Age)
Before we get into age-wise ideas, keep these rules in mind:
1. Ask open-ended questions
❌ “Did you go to school?”
✅ “What was the best part of school today?”
2. Talk with them, not at them
Share something small about yourself too. Kids love two-way conversations.
3. Keep it short and energetic
5–10 minutes of good conversation is better than 30 minutes of boredom.
4. Follow their interests, not yours
Even if it’s dinosaurs, Lego, cartoons, dance or sports.
What to Talk About With Kids by Age Group
👶 Toddlers (2–4 years)
Toddlers may not talk much, but they love sounds, repetition and play. Try this:
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- “Can you show me your favourite toy?”
- “What sound does a lion/dog/cow/car make?”
- “Should I sing your favourite rhyme or make a funny face?”
- “Can you find something red in the room?”
Tip: Use expressions, gestures, and voice changes during video calls.
🧒 Preschoolers (4–6 years)
This age loves imagination and stories. Conversation ideas:
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- “If you had a superpower today, what would it be?”
- “What game did you play today?”
- “What books are you reading these days?” (if the kid loves books)
- “Should I tell you a short story or should we make one together?”
- “What would you name your pet if you had one?”
Make it interactive:
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- Let them finish your sentences
- Ask them to guess endings of stories
👦 Early School Age (6–9 years)
Kids here enjoy thinking, explaining and feeling important. Try asking:
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- “What made you laugh today?”
- “If you were the teacher for one day, what rule would you change?”
- “What’s something new you learned recently?”
- “Would you rather be invisible or superfast? Why?”
You can also:
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- Share a small childhood memory
- Ask for their opinion on simple things
🧑 Older Kids & Preteens (9–12 years)
They want respect, independence and choice. Conversation starters:
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- “What’s something you’re really good at these days?”
- “What do kids your age enjoy now?”
- “Is there anything confusing or interesting you learned recently?”
- “What’s one thing you wish adults understood better?”
Important: Avoid correcting or judging immediately. Listen first.
Easy Conversation Games for Phone & Video Calls
These work across all age groups:
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- This or That: Ice cream or pizza? Morning or night?
- Guessing Game: “I’m thinking of something…”
- Would You Rather questions
- Finish the Story (take turns adding one line)
Games make calls feel fun, not forced.
What to Avoid Saying (Even With Good Intentions)
Try to reduce these during calls:
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- “Why are you so quiet?”
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- “When I was your age…” (too often)
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- “Study well” as the main focus
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- Too many instructions or corrections
Instead, focus on connection before correction.
How Often Should You Call Kids?
Short, regular calls work better than long, occasional ones. Even 5 minutes every few days where the child feels happy to talk is enough to build a strong bond. End calls warmly:
“I loved talking to you. Let’s chat again soon.”
This makes kids want to come back next time.
Connection Over Conversation
Kids don’t remember every question you ask. They remember how you made them feel.
When phone and video calls feel safe, playful and interesting, children naturally stay longer—and look forward to talking to you again.
If you’re a grandparent or family member trying your best, remember: your effort matters more than perfect words.
MOM AND IDEAS 