Talking to your child about their school day
Getting your child to talk about their day can often involve you asking questions and your kiddie giving one worded responses. It can be frustrating, but before you worry that your little one spends the whole day at school sitting on their own, have a read of the following tricks.
Ask open-ended questions
Children need specific questions to help them remember their day. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Try open ones like: “Tell me about the story your teacher read today.”
Use things they have brought home to start conversations
Ask questions about their artwork and remember to listen to what they have to say. Showing an interest will help increase self esteem.
Know their school schedule
By knowing what is happening in school you will be able to ask specific questions about their day like what song they learned in music class.
Talk to them about your day
Kids mimic adult behaviour so share your day with them. Talking to them about what you got up to, like who you met or what you saw, may kick start your little one’s memory.
Talk about both the good and bad parts of your day
Over the dinner table, try talking about both the positive and negative things that happened to you during the day. It is important that your children feel that they can be open with their feelings at home.
Use books as conversation starters
A book can help conversation flows. After reading a story to your child, try to get them to relate to the characters or what happened.
Take advantage of your child stalling at bedtime
Many kids will try to engage you in conversation to avoid sleep so use it to your advantage. The 10 minutes of chat at bedtime can be more effective then the half hour you might spend after school when they are not in the mood to talk.
Listen to them
Once they get started don’t interrupt with more questions. A child will gain confidence as they find their own voice.
Talking to your child about their day is a great way to spend quality time together and will help you build up a solid and secure relationship.