What happened at school today, honey?

Continuing with the Back-to-School series:

If you already have a bedtime routine with your kids, pat yourself on the back, because, they can be so hard to establish in the midst of our busy lives. Bedtime routines are so vital, though, especially for young children. Consider adding one more step to your bedtime routine. Give your kids a chance to tell you about their school day.

Make an effort to keep the communication free flowing. If you set good habits while your child is young, it’ll be easier to talk about just anything as the years pass. For starters, don’t ask yes or no questions. You don’t want to establish a nightly Q & A, but rather two-way communication.

Sometimes “tell me about your day” doesn’t generate much conversation. You could begin with, “tell me five things that happened today; recess and lunch don’t count.” That is usually a great ice breaker. Kids learn really quickly that if you don’t ask, they’re not telling.

In addition to asking what was for lunch, ask who your child sat next to. Who did they play with at recess? What did they play during recess? Was anyone sick today? Did anything funny or embarrassing happen to anyone in school today?

If you can get your child to tell you about someone who may have had a hard time (in gym, with math, with reading aloud, etc.) it is a great segue for a life lesson in difficulties and hurt feelings.

It really doesn’t matter what you talk about; it’s more important that you talk. Make talking about your kid’s day a regular part of the bedtime routine, you’ll be surprised what you learn!

GO READ A BOOK!