Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Parenting” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basics of Parenting
1. What do you think are the most important qualities of a good parent?
2. How can parents balance work and family life?
3. What should parents do to ensure their child’s safety?
4. How often should parents spend time with their children?
5. What is the best way for parents to discipline their children?

II. Education and Learning
6. How can parents help with their child’s education?
7. What role should parents play in their child’s homework?
8. Should parents decide what extracurricular activities their child does?
9. How important is it for parents to read to their children?
10. What can parents do to encourage a love of learning in their children?

III. Health and Nutrition
11. Why is good nutrition important for children?
12. How can parents encourage their children to eat healthily?
13. What are some ways to keep children physically active?
14. How much sleep do children need, and how can parents ensure they get it?
15. What should parents do if their child is sick?

IV. Emotional Well-being
16. How can parents support their child’s emotional development?
17. What can parents do to build their child’s self-esteem?
18. How should parents handle their child’s tantrums?
19. What is the best way for parents to deal with bullying issues?
20. How can parents help their children cope with stress?

V. Technology and Media
21. How much screen time should children have?
22. What are the benefits and risks of children using technology?
23. How can parents monitor their child’s use of the internet?
24. Should parents be friends with their children on social media?
25. What are some educational apps or games for children?

VI. Social Skills and Friendship
26. How can parents help their children make friends?
27. What can parents do to teach their children about sharing?
28. How should parents handle it if they don’t like their child’s friend?
29. What are some ways to teach children about empathy?
30. How can parents encourage their children to be independent?

VII. Family Relationships
31. How can parents maintain a good relationship with their children?
32. What is the role of grandparents in parenting?
33. How can parents handle sibling rivalry?
34. Should parents treat their children differently based on their age?
35. How can families spend quality time together?

VIII. Cultural and Moral Values
36. How can parents teach their children about their cultural heritage?
37. What are some ways to instill moral values in children?
38. Should parents allow their children to question their beliefs?
39. How can parents teach their children about respect?
40. What role do parents play in teaching their children about diversity?

IX. Parenting Challenges
41. What are some common challenges that parents face?
42. How can single parents manage their responsibilities?
43. What support is available for parents with children who have special needs?
44. How can parents deal with financial difficulties?
45. What advice would you give to new parents?

X. Communication and Understanding
46. How can parents effectively communicate with their children?
47. Why is it important for parents to listen to their children?
48. How can parents understand their child’s feelings?
49. What should parents do if they have a disagreement with their child?
50. How can parents encourage their children to talk about their day?

XI. Teenage Years
51. How do parenting strategies change as children become teenagers?
52. What are some ways to handle a teenager’s desire for independence?
53. How can parents talk to their teenagers about sensitive topics?
54. What can parents do to help teenagers with school pressure?
55. How should parents approach the topic of dating with their teenagers?

XII. Parenting Styles
56. What are the different parenting styles, and which one do you think is best?
57. How does culture influence parenting styles?
58. Can parenting styles affect a child’s personality?
59. Should both parents have the same parenting style?
60. How can parents adapt their parenting style as their child grows?