One documentary may be enough to get the whole family talking.
Half an hour is enough to begin
Good time doesn't have to be long, even when everyone is busy.
Half an hour is a fine start.
Start with one documentary
Pick one that suits your child's age, and watch it together.
There's nothing to prepare, and you don't need to know the topic.
You'll come away with something new to talk about, too.
Ask just one question
When it ends, try asking, "Which part did you like best?"
One question is plenty. It takes under two minutes.
If your child is little, the answer may be very short, or change the subject. That's fine.
If your child is older, try a question of your own, like "Was anything surprising?"
If they'd rather not answer yet, leave it. You can ask again another day.
Then listen all the way through
Listen first. There's no rush to correct or sum up a lesson.
There's no wrong answer. Your child may feel heard.
If something in the film scared or saddened them, ask "How did that feel?" first, then talk from there.
Picture an evening at home
Whether your home has two people or ten, whoever is there can ask and listen.
The family watches a documentary about whales. When it ends, the screen goes off.
Someone asks, "Which part did you like best?"
Your child tells everyone about the baby whale. Another person listens all the way through, then shares how it felt to see the sea for the first time as a child.
If someone isn't home, your child can tell them about it by phone another day.
What you may notice
Your child may tell you more of their own stories.
The whole family may have something to share.
Talk at the dinner table may come more easily.
Use documentaries from anywhere
This works with documentaries from any source that meets our four standards.
Choose whatever suits your home, and start tonight.
If you'd like it set up for you
Doxzilla Learning is one option. It picks documentaries by age, every title names its producer, and the producer has checked the facts.
One parent shared:
"Social media time down 50%, because my child spends more time with Doxzilla." A parent
Ready to try? See the 14-Day Starter Guide
Note: General guidance for parents. Every home is different, so adjust it to fit yours.