Little questions, big treasures.
Conversation cards for parents and kids aged 3 to 12. Made for the dinner table, the car ride, bedtime and the MRT home.
Why a few minutes of talk matters
Researchers have found that everyday back-and-forth conversation, with devices put away, is linked to children's language, learning and wellbeing.
Back-and-forth beats word count
Children aged 4–6 who had more conversational turns with adults showed more activity in Broca's area, a key language region of the brain. Turns mattered more than the number of words children heard.
Early chats have long echoes
In a study of 146 families, conversational turns at 18–24 months were linked to higher language skills and IQ scores ten years later.
Phones quietly get in the way
In one observational study, 73% of caregivers used a phone during a meal with children. The most absorbed had less engaged interactions. Frequent phone interruptions have also been linked to more acting out over time.
Screens at the table, says MOH
Singapore's 2025 guidance asks families to keep meals screen-free and to limit leisure screen use, and it reminds parents that children learn device habits from them.
Where these findings come from
- Romeo, R. et al. (2018). Beyond the 30-million-word gap. Psychological Science. Summary: MIT News
- Gilkerson, J. et al. (2018). Language experience in the second year of life and language outcomes in late childhood. Pediatrics. Summary: LENA
- Radesky, J. et al. (2014). Patterns of mobile device use by caregivers and children during meals in fast food restaurants. Pediatrics. Summary: Live Science
- McDaniel, B. & Radesky, J. (2018). Technoference: parent distraction with technology and child behavior problems. Child Development. Summary: ZERO TO THREE
- Ministry of Health Singapore (2025). Guidance on screen use in children
These studies show links between conversation and children's outcomes. They don't promise specific results for any one child.
Set the timer, phones away
Pick 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Everyone's other devices go in a basket until the chime.
Listen more than you talk
There are no wrong answers. Ask "Tell me more" and let the silence sit.
Collect stars together
Earn a star for every card you talk about, keep your streak going and unlock badges.