Learning about your child’s thoughts and feelings can be difficult to decipher. Children rarely express their thoughts openly (especially as they grow older), so parents must start meaningful conversations with their child, and that too everyday. These questions allow you to understand your child’s inner thoughts while creating trust, and supporting their emotional development. These 7 questions will help you know your child better, and even bring the two of you closer…
What Made You Smile Today?
The focus on positive moments enables your child to recall pleasant events, while expressing happiness. By asking this question, children learn to recognise the small pleasures in life and develop gratitude.Tip: You can share your own happy moments too. By doing this, you demonstrate to your child that discussing emotions including positive and negative feelings, is a normal practice.
Is There Anything That Worries You?
Children possess anxieties, they do not necessarily express. The question provides children with an opportunity to share their fears and distressing experiences. Keep listening with patience to your child while avoiding judgment, because it is natural for children to feel worried at times.Tip: Your presence is to provide assistance and work together to solve problems.
What Do You Like Most About Yourself?
The question helps develop your child’s confidence, while helping them discover their personal strengths. Children need to develop positive self-perceptions about their identity.
Tip: When your child has trouble answering, you should give specific examples or positive statements that showcase their special qualities.
Who Do You Feel Close To at School or Outside?
The question about friendships helps you understand your child’s social connections and emotional relationships. Positive relationships are important for emotional well-being.Tip: If your child appears lonely or shy, you should encourage them to participate in clubs or activities that will allow them to meet new people.
What Would You Like to Learn or Try This Year?
Through this, you gain understanding about your child’s personal interests and future aspirations. Your support demonstrates your commitment to their development, and motivates their curiosity.Tip: Assist your child in establishing practical targets and discover methods to pursue their interests, by exploring classes and books and planning trips.
How Can I Help You When You Feel Sad or Upset?
Children frequently struggle to communicate their complex emotions in the right manner. This inquiry allows them to explain which form of assistance they need from you. The practice teaches children it is perfectly normal to ask for help emotionally, and it is also okay to not be okay.Tip: Be open to different answers; some children want hugs, some want space, and others want to talk. Respect their needs.
What is something you wish grown-ups understood about kids?
Through this question, your child obtains the opportunity to express thoughts or emotions which may be challenging to communicate during normal conversations. This allows children to express their viewpoint, which helps you understand their needs alongside their fears and frustrations more effectively.Tip: Active listening combined with validation of their emotions, will help even when their statements take you by surprise. The practice establishes trust while demonstrating your respect for their opinions.
Open-ended questions like these enable deeper connections with your child while making them feel appreciated.
Why Asking These Questions Matter
The basic nature of these questions allows parents to establish an extensive dialogue with your child. Children who receive understanding from you, will develop stronger emotional bonds while learning essential life skills. Children who express their emotions effectively, tend to manage stress and challenges through healthy means.These questions need to be asked on a regular basis instead of a single occasion. Include these questions in your regular schedule such as during dinner or before sleeping. Do so with a calm and receptive mind, that is open to follow up questions, and understanding.
