I spent nearly 20 years teaching in schools, so Ive worked with hundreds of students and parents.
How do I get him or her to open up?
Heres how to gain valuable insight into your childs school life by getting them talking.
Start Early and Often
What do I mean by this?
Well, children are starting school earlier and earlier these days.
My daughter entered preschool at age 2.
Theres no reason that these conversations cant start as soon as your child begins his or her academic journey.
Dont just say, How was your day?
That can be answered in one word.
Ask questions that require detail and thought, and show interest on your end.
Id ask about art projects or books read to the class or interaction with classmates.
If your child is older, its not too late.
See the next tip.
Do Your Homework
It shouldnt only be your child who does homework.
As parents, we need to do some work as well.
My daughters school sends a brief weekly email that shares details about the week.
Ask them about that.
Learn the names of your childs teachers and classmates and refer to them by name.
Take detailed notes at curriculum evenings and at parent-teacher conferences.
Ill even check out the school menu to see what the kids are having for lunch each day.
Having this information at your disposal makes it easier to formulate questions for your child.
Upon discovering these interests, do your homework!
Read articles or books about the topic, whether its makeup tutorials or writing music.
Bring enthusiasm to your questioning.
If you are genuinely interested, they are more likely to open up.
Its also a good time to discuss lunch and healthy eating strategies.
Through these goals, we created daily affirmations that we recite on the way to school each day.
I remind her to have a great day at school.
Be respectful and kind.
But most importantly, have fun!
What classes did you have today?
What did you learn that was new, exciting, and fun?
What acts of kindness did you perform?
What challenges did you face?
How were you brave?
What did you do during recess and with whom?
Did you give or receive a compliment today?
These questions have engaged my daughter in such a positive way.
She often comes bounding into my arms to preemptively respond to one of these daily questions.
Its clear she was thinking about what she wanted to share during the day.
What it also does is set fair expectations.
She is not always going to achieve her goals on a given day, and that is okay.
She is going to encounter challenges, and that is okay.
Learning about your childs school day should not be a burdenit should be enjoyable and enlightening.
With practice and consistency, you’re able to make it so.
