What did you learn today?

Millions of conscientious parents have asked their teenager the question, "What did you learn today?" Millions of teenagers have given the dreaded non-answer, "Nothing." Here are some hints to turn nothing into something.

1. Instead say, "Show me your class notes."
2. Answer back, "Well, if you learned nothing at school, then I will be your teacher. Get out your books and I'll give you some homework."
3. Before asking the question, contact the teacher and find out the subject for that day. When confronted with "nothing," answer back, "Your teacher said you talked about _____ today."
4. Instead of asking, "Did you do your homework?" say, "Show me your homework so you can explain it to me." Then listen and ask clarifying questions.