If your child isn’t particularly eager to share what happened at school, you’re not alone.
You get in the car and ask, “How was school today?” You’re eager to hear something, but at best, you get a quick “Fine.” So, you start to wonder if you asked the wrong question and try something else like, “What made you laugh or feel sad today?” But still, not much of an answer. You begin to worry: Is something wrong with me or my child?
The truth is, what you really want is for your child to talk about something you want to hear, at the time you want to hear it. But now it’s time to ask yourself: How often are you truly available to listen to your child talk about something they want to share, at the moment they choose?
Be honest: how many times has your child talked about fairies, dinosaurs, or dragons and you responded with, “Yes, sweetheart, but hurry up, we’re late,” or “I’m too tired right now”?
If this rings true, then next time you get in the car, don’t ask anything. Just start by telling them how your day was—and then simply listen.
You might be surprised at how much they’ll tell you… when they feel truly heard, and when they see that you’re also open and sharing your day with them.
Maria Lazarou
Speech and Language Therapist (SLP, BSc, M.A.)
Head of the Multidisciplinary Team, Evlogon
