Chitchat Bag

Talking with kids can be simple and fun! A chitchat bag can help start great conversations anytime—at home, in the car, or during family time. This guide will show you how to make one, give you example questions, and share tips to make it something your family will be excited about. Make one today and see what fun it inspires!

What Is a Chitchat Bag?

A chitchat bag is a small bag or box that you decorate and fill with questions. These questions are fun to answer and help kids share their thoughts and feelings. It’s a great way to open a conversation and connect with your child.

Why Use a Chitchat Bag?

Using a chitchat bag can:

• Help kids open up and talk more.
• Make family time fun and special.
• Teach kids to listen and share.
• Create happy memories and laughter.

When to Use the Chitchat Bag

• In the Car: Use it during road trips or short drives.
• At Dinner: Start fun talks during meals.
• Quiet Times: Pull it out when waiting somewhere or during downtime.
• At Bedtime: End the day with a thoughtful or silly question.

How to Make a Chitchat Bag

Get Your Supplies:

• Something to write on: Paper or index cards
• Something to write with: Pen or marker
• Somewhere to keep them: A small bag or box 
• Decorations: Markers, stickers, and craft items

Get Set Up:

• Let your child decorate the bag with stickers, drawings, or their name. This makes it special and fun!
• Write simple, fun questions on the slips of paper or cards. Use the examples below (printable version available) or make your own. 
• Fold the questions and put them in the bag. Now it’s ready to use!

Sample Questions to Try:

• Would you rather live in a house or an igloo?
• Would you rather control the weather or talk to animals?
• What was the best part of your day?
• Who is the funniest person you know?
• Would you rather eat spaghetti for breakfast or pancakes for dinner?
• What helps you feel better when you’re mad?
• What’s your favorite meal that someone in your family makes?
• What was your special today? (PE, music, library, etc.) What did you do?
• Would you rather whisper or only be able to scream?
• What have you done at school that makes you proud?
• If you could have any pet, what would it be?
• What’s your favorite memory from this week?
• Would you rather go to the moon or the bottom of the ocean?
• Who is your best friend, and why do you like them?
• What’s your favorite game?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
• What’s something new you want to learn?
• If you could invent anything, what would it be?
• What do you love doing on weekends?
• If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?

What If They Don’t Want to Answer?

If your child doesn’t feel like answering, that’s okay. Don’t push them. Maybe try another question or let them know the bag is ready when they are. Keeping it fun and pressure-free is important!

How to Respond to Answers

When kids answer, show them you’re listening and appreciate what they say. Try responses like:

• “Thanks for telling me that.”
• “I like hearing your thoughts.”
• “That’s so interesting!”
• “Wow, I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
• “That sounds fun/challenging!”