The weather
What to talk about when you meet your neighbor early in the morning by the mailbox in your pajamas and can't think of anything else to say. Weather precedes "the kids".
Example:
Bob: The weather is nice today, isn't it?
John: Yes, it is.
Bob: ...
John: ...
(awkward silence)
Bob: So how are the kids?
Bob: The weather is nice today, isn't it?
John: Yes, it is.
Bob: ...
John: ...
(awkward silence)
Bob: So how are the kids?