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5 questions to ask your child about the Prodigal Son

By KindTales. 4 min read. Luke 15:11–32

Your child just heard that a son took his share of the money, spent it all, and came home with nothing. Then the father ran to meet him. That is a lot to take in at 6 years old.

You do not need a lesson plan. One or two good questions are enough to turn the story into a conversation. Here are five that work, in the order that tends to go well.

1. What happened when the son ran out of money?

Start with the facts. Let your child retell it in their own words. It shows what they understood and what they noticed most.

2. How do you think he felt on the road home?

Children often say "scared" or "sorry". That is the heart of the story: he knew he had made a mistake and he went back anyway. You can say, "That took courage."

3. What did the father do when he saw him?

He ran. He hugged him before the son could finish his apology. Ask your child what that tells us about the father.

4. Has anyone ever said sorry to you? How did it feel?

Now it becomes personal, and gentle. Let your child answer without steering them. If they share a real moment, thank them for telling you.

5. What would you want to say if you made a mistake?

End here. You are not asking for a promise. You are showing that saying sorry is safe in your home, and that love is still there afterward.

A quick tip for the end

Say one sentence of your own, such as "I am glad you are my child, always." Then stop talking. Children often add a thought a minute later, when the room is quiet.

Want to do more with the story? Try these 5 easy Prodigal Son activities.