There are times when, for some odd reason kids simply just don't feel like talking. It may be that they are tired from a long day in school. Or maybe they are feeling guilty about some vase they broke.

At any rate, your child will stay mum unless you do something about it. Here are a few ways to get your kid talking.

Talk tactics

• Dote on your kid. They will feel reassured that you are on his side, not against him. You are also assuring your child that you're not out to give him a loud scolding.

• Time your questions. Before asking you kid "how was your day? How was school?" Greet him a warm hello and give him a big hug. Do no ask him questions the minute he gets home from school.

• Speak up. If you really want to know how he did in his Math quiz, don't fish, just ask.

Face-to-face interrogation and clamming up

• Avoid putting your child on the spot. Nothing would make your child clam up than a one-on-one parent-on-kid interrogation, especially when he's feeling guilty over something wrong that that he has done. One-on-one parent-on-kid interrogations also make kids more likely to lie.

• Let your child talk in his own time.

• Listen first. Allow your kids to take you into the conversation on his own. Usually, your kid will give you clues as to how his day went. Something like "We made papier-mâché vases today" which could mean, "I broke your favorite flower vase, but I made you a new one to replace it."

• Communicate without words. On their level. Try giving your child a hug or playing games. They are more likely to express things on their own terms.

• Talk about something funny that happened to you that day. This will get your kid to open up about their day.

Do not jump at whatever your child has to say. If he says "I hate school!" Do not react like it's the end of the world. Listen to everything he has to say. After he enumerates the reasons why he finds school so terrible, ask him "so what do you think you should do about it? Is there something you'd like me to do?" Asking your child these questions help him figure things out and find solutions to problems. Later on, ask him how his "solution" panned out. If the problem persists, talk to the school.