If you’ve always wanted to know what your child’s school day is like, try these tips.
Children are more likely to open up about their day if they feel comfortable. Forcing them to share will only make them clam up and feel worse.
It’s natural for parents to want to ask their children about their day when they get home from school. Questions like, “How was your day today?” or “Did you do well on your test?” are common.
Some children will eagerly share every detail of their school day, but not all children are like this.
What should parents do?
According to Dr. Wendy Mogel, a clinical psychologist, parents should initiate conversations with their children after school. “When you pick up your child from school, instead of being on your phone, start a conversation. Tell them you missed them and that you thought of them when you saw something they might like. This will touch their emotions and make them feel thought of during the school day”, emphasizes Dr. Mogel.
So, Dr. Mogel’s suggestion for parents is to initiate a heart-to-heart chat with their children first. Talk about their interests, show them that you care and pay attention to what they love. This will make them feel loved and more inclined to share their school experiences with you.
“Although this may seem like a tactic to manipulate their emotions, it is a sweet and effective approach,” concludes Dr. Mogel.
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“As parents, our responses to our children’s inquiries can shape their cognitive development. Thus, it is crucial to be mindful and thoughtful in our replies, ensuring that we provide age-appropriate and accurate information. Our answers can lay the foundation for their understanding of the world, so let’s approach each question with care and attention.”