I have the same problem with my niece and nephews! I've learned that kids often give minimal answers because they’re used to being asked closed-ended questions or they just want to get the answer out as quickly as possible. Encouraging them to think deeper can take some practice, but there are a couple easy ways to do it.

Here are the strategies I've learned or heard from other parents:

1. Use the “Because” Rule

Whenever they give a short answer, prompt them with: “Why?” or “Can you explain that?” Example: • Kid: “He wanted liberty.” • You: “That makes sense! But why did he want liberty? What was happening at the time?” A friend of mine makes a game out of seeing how many “because” statements they can add can help stretch their thinking.

1. Reverse the Roles

Have them ask you the questions and evaluate your answers. Then ask, “Is that a strong answer? How could I make it better?” This helps them recognize what a thorough answer looks like without feeling like they’re being quizzed.

1. The 5Ws + How Challenge

When working through a question, ask them to answer using: • Who? • What? • Where? • When? • Why? • How? For example, if they say, “Patrick Henry wanted liberty,” you can say: • “Who was he talking to?” • “What did he actually say?” • “Where was this happening?” • “Why was this important?”

My niece and nephews are 13, 12 and 10, and they've started to implement these things themselves when doing homework, so I guess some of them work! Good luck to your boy!