The Importance of Daily Connections
How is Your Child Really Doing?
Have you asked your child, “how was your day today?” If so, did you get a one word response such as “good”? Well, what does “good” even mean? We want more than that! We need details! If your child is not used to you asking them about their day, they may be resistant to answering or having that conversation initially. But, don’t give up — KEEP asking! As parents, it is crucial to know what our children are experiencing when they are not with us. It is a way of checking on their well-being and mental health. Are they being treated fairly or being mistreated? Are they being ignored, teased, or criticized? Are they enjoying themselves? Are they happy? We have to be very strategic about how we find out about their day. I find that taking my son outside for walks allows him to really open up and talk to me about his day. I don’t have to compete with other things he would want to do inside the house. It does take time and effort on your part to get your child to discuss their day. However, it is worth it!
Below you will find specific questions to ask your children. Try to avoid yes and no questions and use specific, open-ended questions like these:
Tell me about the best part of your day.
What made you happy? What made you sad?
Who did you sit with at lunch time today?
What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
What did any of your classmates do that was funny?
Tell me about what you read in class.
Who did you play with today? What did you build in the block center?
Do you think math [or any subject] is too easy or too hard?
What rules are different at school than our rules at home? Do you think they're fair?
Can you show me something you learned (or did) today?
**Ask your child’s teacher for a copy of their schedule so you can know names of some of the activities to ask about.
Psalm 127:3
3 Children are a gift from God; they are his reward.
Sherri Taylor