When your kids come in from school, I know you want to know what they did ALL day.  It can be very hard to get them to spill.  They are tired and hungry and the events of their day already seem so looong ago.

Here are 5 tricks to totally get them talking:

1) Ply them with snacks.  Yes, butter them up with a yummy snack.  They will be more agreeable to rehashing their day on a full stomach.

2) Give them a break.  Don't ask for the rundown the minute their feet step off the bus.  A lot has happened since they got on that bus in the morning and they will appreciate a little break in the action.

3) Use your psychic powers.  If you notice evidence of arts and crafts or a spelling quiz peeking from the backpack, make a general comment about it.  "I like your painting"  or "It looks like you brought home extra papers today."  Comments will get you more information than the third degree.

4) Mention your day.  Offer an exciting, silly or even exasperating event from your own day.  Talk about how you handled it and who shared your day.  Your kids missed you, too.  They feel good that you want to share your experiences with them.

5) Be a good listener.  You have heard the saying "Listen to understand, not to respond". One day can be a mixture of missed homework, playground spats and long math tests,  good friends, new learning and fun assemblies. When your child shares with you, really listen.  Work for understanding and try not to react to every event.

If your child feels your empathy, she is more likely to share her day with you again tomorrow.