Having open conversations and asking questions is a great way to learn about the person your little one is becoming.

While all questions give you a sneak peek into your child’s inner world, those that focus on aspirations, security, and fears let you in even more, according to a recent article by Parent Magazine featuring Dr. Forrest Talley, a child psychologist with the University of California Davis Department of Pediatrics.

Here are nine questions you can ask your toddler that will help you learn even more about their developing personality and also help them acknowledge their emotions.

• Does doing that make you feel brave?
• What superpower would you like to have?
• What did you like most about your trip to the park/mall/playground?
• What did you like least about your trip to the park/mall/playground?
• What do you like about taking care of our dog?
• What do you dislike most about (something that frequently causes meltdowns)?
• Who will you be when you grow up?
• How do you feel when someone is sick?
• What was your favorite part about today?

Asking silly questions paves the way for an opportunity to laugh together and also lets you learn more about your toddler’s sense of humor! Kiddos around this age will think it is so funny that you are even asking such crazy things. These little moments will actually help your child feel even more connected to you.

• What kind of monster would you be? Can you draw it?
• What kind of animal would you like to be?
• What would our pet say if he/she could talk?
• How tall are you?
• What color would you be if you could be any color?
• What would happen if you ate polka dots?
• Do lizards have ears?
• What if cats had fins?
• What would happen if this toy were real?