Instead of asking the same old, same old, look for BrainPlay in the March 2017 issue, or download the printable at left. Pick out a question, any question, and make that your opener.

Out of nowhere, try something like: “So, I’ve been wondering…do you think animals have a sense of humor?”

Or: “If you could smell just one smell, what would you want it to be?”

Or this: “What could you do with a bunch of buttons and some sticks?” Then hand over some stuff and let him try it.

The more original or more challenging your questions are, the better. For more ideas, check out the rest of the BrainPlay questions. Or make up your own—aim for 11!

Take turns answering at dinner or bath time, or make out-of-the-box thinking your family’s regular quiet, together-time activity.