| During these challenging times it is Important to Continue Checking in with Children. Continue to involve your kids in problem-solving, which will empower them and make them feel like part of the solution. Here are some Tips on How to get these Conversations started:
Ask Open-Ended, Specific Questions
For example: *What was the toughest part of your day today?
*What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?
* What did you learn about today?
* What is something interesting or funny you heard about today?
* What was the most fun thing you did today?
Pick The Right Time
Don’t open the conversation before bedtime, when kids need to be winding down. Instead, try dinner time or during a family walk. Look for a “Calm” moment.
Name The Feelings
Help your child find the words to get specific about what they’re feeling. Especially for little kids, a feeling chart can help or even making your own feeling doll with your child is a fun way to help them recognize emotions.
Validate their Feelings
Children want to be heard. Instead of giving answers have a conversation and validate their feelings by saying things like, “I have similar feelings. Let’s brainstorm on how we can make this better.” Even if you don’t agree with your child, be Present, ask questions/guess to try and seek understanding. You can ask “I’m guessing you must have felt pretty hurt by her comment.” If you guess wrong, the child will correct you, in accepting her/his correction is validating. |
