How was your weekend? Do you have plans for the weekend?

Christmas is fast approaching : how about well Christmas is just around the corner have you started your Christmas shopping yet ..I have noticed supermarkets have Christmas food in store already.

Complements always go down well. Oh I love the style of your dress it really is so pretty and flattering. Or oh I have been admiring your hair cut/style, may I ask who is your hair dresser/stylist.
Wishing you all the best and good luck.

To add to other good ideas-
Bit deeper: what did they get up to pre kids.
Any hobbies or skills
Any good tv shows they’re watching

Ask about community programmes,free events,kids holiday activities.

It is pretty awkward for me as I only pick up 2 days a week. I generally just say hello to whoever I see and then keep to myself. Sometimes I have a little chat about something the kids have been doing at school or an event that is coming up at school.

I usually start with a compliment and a question i.e. “I love your dress. The colour is so pretty. Where did you buy it?” “Oh I love that store they always have the cutest collections etc.”

Ask them about their kids, what they did or are doing on the weekend.

I often just how they are going. What the name of their children are, what class they’re in and if they’re happy at school. And from chat’s about school you can make it more personal.

Ask them positive questions about the school, teachers, facilities etc.
Have you read about the latest event?
What teacher do you have? What do you like most about them/ their class?
Do you like the new…..?

Talking about the weather is okay – it’s one of the easiest ice-breakers … then go on to ask if they are planning any holidays; what class their child is in, whats the teacher like; does the school provide any classes for mums, etc

I think always start with a compliment, either to the mum or their child!

I ask people what are they planning for the day and conversation flows on from that point.
Often common ground is found when people are doing similar things or interest is sparked if something is new.

I don’t think I said much more than a polite hello to any of the school mums until a few weeks ago. I get shocking social anxiety and it just comes across as me being a total bitch. My son finally got invited to a couple of school friend’s birthday parties and we were all forced to interact for a couple of hours and that broke the ice and now generally I chat happily with whoever is around at school pick up.

At pickup- what did you do at lunch/recess? Who did you play with? Or
Who did you spend time with today?

Takes the focus off what they learnt and back into what they enjoyed or the relationships