Talking to Your Kids About How School Is Going

Children, whether we're talking about your youngest or your tweens and teenagers, tend to be more private and don't share as much about their lives. Therefore, what is a parent to do? How can you speak to your kids in a way that encourages them to be open and honest about the good (and bad) parts of their school day?

We prefer to hear directly from our children about how their day at school went. But what do you typically learn in response to your children's simple questions, such as "How was your day?" Crickets! 

There are ways to ask questions that will encourage open communication if your child is reluctant to start a conversation on their own. Additionally, there are proactive steps you may take to stay informed about how the academic year is progressing.

1. Have Open Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher

Working with your child's teacher is one of the most important things you can do to keep track of how the school year is going for your child. The teacher might be able to give you additional advice on motivating your kid or point out any issues they might be facing. You can also share any advice or knowledge you may have about your child.

If you stay in touch with your child's teacher frequently, they are more likely to share developments and problems. By keeping in touch, you may demonstrate to the teacher your concern and interest in your child's education and general well-being at school. This will serve as a prompt for the teacher to inform you of your child.

2. Get Involved in Your Kid’s School

You will have a better understanding of how your child's school year is going the more actively you participate in their school life. Each night, sit down with your child and assist them with their homework. Volunteer at their school's events. Learn more about their teachers, friends, and fellow students. Being involved will help you have the right questions to ask and give you discussion starters.

Start by showing your kids that you care about what they are learning in class. Talk about their learning and the assignments, both positively and negatively. However, give older kids their own space. If they feel like you are pressing them, they could grow resentful and less motivated.

3. Always Ask Positive Questions

If you sense that something isn't working out, your questions may come off negatively, or you might use strong, emotive phrases like sad or harsh. It may help your child feel more comfortable sharing their worries and troubles if you ask them in a supportive and beneficial way. 

For instance: “During today's recess, I heard you went out with some brand-new buddies. What were you all discussing?”

4. Ask Your Child Open-Ended Questions

If you want a quick conversation with one-word responses, ask questions that can be replied with a yes or no. If you want your child to participate in conversation with you, you must ask clear, open-ended questions. Below are a few illustrations of open-ended inquiries.

• What was the best thing you did today at school?
• What activities did you engage in during recess?
• With whom did you have lunch today?
• What was the funniest thing that happened today?
• Which teacher has been your favorite so far this school year?

Your child will feel more comfortable talking to you when you ask them questions like this. However, do not anticipate receiving an exhaustive, in-depth response to all of your questions. The objective is to engage in several brief exchanges throughout time. It is beneficial to chat at relaxed, unhurried moments, such as over dinner or while driving.

5. Start the Question Off With a Personal Statement About Yourself

Naturally, you want to give back when someone reveals information about themselves to you. You can start a conversation with your child by sharing something about yourself or your time in school, so that they can share something with you about themselves. 

An example may be, "Oh my goodness! When I was in third grade, my buddies and I used to like to play games involving hand clapping. What things do you and your buddies like to do when you hang out?

6. Discuss Your Day to Start the Conversation

Your child will be more ready to open up to you if you demonstrate your love for them. Describe your day to your child to strike up a pleasant chat. If you can be as descriptive as you can, it will help. Simple things can be mentioned, such as your favorite pen breaking or forgetting your coffee.

Your children will learn to talk about their days more as a result of the more information you share in your chats with them. You might not be aware that your children do not naturally possess that talent. They might need to pick up conversational skills. 

7. Know When To Stop

Like adults, kids occasionally lack the desire to interact. Knowing when to stop and postpone a conversation is crucial. However, if there is an emergency or serious problem, you must ask direct, specific questions and insist on getting answers.

How Is My Child’s School Year Going?

By asking your child about their school day, you are demonstrating to them your interest in what is happening in their lives. Your child's well-being, happiness, and mental health are all improved by this involvement. 

Additionally, it might significantly improve how your child acts and performs at school. It demonstrates to your kids how much you value learning and education, which inspires them to feel the same way.

You may find out more about your child's learning preferences, problem-solving methods, and classroom expectations by talking to them about school. It may be important to comprehend why your child is having issues or seems less interested in school.

Knowing how your child feels about school will help you identify potential issues sooner. By involving your child in this way, you can assist them in overcoming obstacles.

Emmanuel Lutheran School

We at Emmanuel Lutheran School look forward to partnering with you to provide an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in a caring environment. For more information, contact us and schedule a tour here!