Here are some questions a parent could ask their daughter when she gets home from school to encourage open conversations and to stay informed about how things are going for her. Perhaps ask just one question a day with follow up questions.
Open-Ended Questions:
- “Tell me something funny that happened today.” This prompts your child to share a positive memory.
- “What new things did you learn today?” This encourages reflection and exploration.
- “Who did you play with at recess?” This helps gauge social interactions.
- “What was the most exciting thing you did today?” This focuses on positive experiences.
- “Was there anything that made you feel sad or frustrated today?” This provides an opportunity to discuss challenges.
Follow-Up Questions:
- “Can you tell me more about that?” Encourage elaboration and detail.
- “How did you feel about that?” Explore your child’s emotions and reactions.
- “What did you do to handle the situation?” Learn about problem-solving skills.
Remember, the goal is to foster open communication and understanding. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening, you can create a safe and supportive space for your daughter to share her experiences.
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Here are 4 ways you can react when your child is feeling sad. (www.strategicparenting.com)
“I noticed you’re feeling sad. Do you want to talk about what’s making you feel this way? I’m here to listen.”
“Would you like to talk about what’s going on or would you prefer to do something together that might help you feel better, like drawing or playing a game?”
“It’s perfectly normal to feel sad sometimes. Can you tell me more about what happened today that made you feel this way?”
“Sometimes when I’m feeling sad, it helps to talk with someone or do something I enjoy. What do you think would help you feel better right now.”
