Questions
In talking with our children, we want the goal to be getting to them better.
When we bombard our children with lots of questions, it can feel like an interrogation and unintentionally create stress or cause them to try to figure out the right answer.
So we have to be aware of our questions not being leading, but rather wide open. Or better yet, choose to make a statement instead of ask a question.
Instead of: “Did you have a good time"?”
Try: “ It looks like you’ve had a long morning. How do you feel?”
Instead of: How was your day; are you okay?
Try: “I’ve missed you so much today. It’s so lovely to see your beautiful smile.”
Instead of: Did you all play nicely at playtime?
Try: “I remember last night you were worried about playtime …”
Instead of: Did your spelling test go okay?
Try: “I was thinking about you today during your spelling test.”
Open-ended questions and statements, rather, show you are listening, interested and paying attention and help your children open up more freely.
