{"id":2184,"date":"2018-10-03T16:46:47","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T16:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewisefamily.com\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2020-03-02T20:27:23","modified_gmt":"2020-03-02T20:27:23","slug":"ever-wonder-childs-day-went-dont-get-much-info","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewisefamily.com\/ever-wonder-childs-day-went-dont-get-much-info\/","title":{"rendered":"Ever wonder how your child’s day went? But don’t get much info?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a>Photo by Caroline Hernandez<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dr. Amy Fortney Parks<\/strong><\/a> – Owner of The Wise Family: <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n If you are like most parents, you get frustrated with the lack of information relayed to you from your kids. Guess what? You are not alone there! Our team of therapists have put together some great suggestions on how to get your kids to tell you how their day was.<\/p>\n Check out the below tips from the Wise Ones here at The Wise Family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kasey Cain<\/a>, <\/b>Resident in Counseling – Therapist for The Wise Family:\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Take a moment to imagine the following scene:<\/p>\n Child just getting home\/picked up from school This was probably not a difficult scene to imagine as it plays out daily across the country. Parents crave information on their children\u2019s daily lives while kids crave independence and privacy. Additionally, when a child returns home from school it is important to remember they have just put in a full day of work. They are tired, just like we are after putting in a full day, and may want some time to decompress and relax. Too often, children get bombarded with questions and demands \u2013 \u201cHow are you?\u201d \u201cDo you have homework?\u201d, \u201cDon\u2019t forget to hurry up and get ready for dance class!\u201d<\/p>\n When your kiddo gets home (or when you do) let them know you are happy to see them. When conversation does occur be creative in your questions. One of my favorite lists came from an article I read recently (50 Fun Questions to Get Your Kid Talking<\/a>). As the article states \u201cDon\u2019t worry if your child isn\u2019t initially excited about answering your questions \u2013 and don\u2019t rush him\/her to answer or move to another one too quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n If you have relayed that you are caring, interested, and available, you have succeeded in positively supporting your child.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Dr. Dominique Adkins<\/a>,\u00a0<\/b><\/i>EdD\u00a0– Therapist for The Wise Family:\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n When attempting to communicate with your teen in a meaningful manner always keep in mind the importance of open ended questions. The closed ended questions such as \u201cDid you have a good day at school?\u201d can lead to an automatic yes or no. If your question starts with \u201cWhat\u201d, \u201cHow\u201d, \u201cWhen\u201d, \u201cWho\u201d, or \u201cWhere\u201d you are off to a good start.<\/p>\n Also keep the questions to a minimum and listen. While it may seem like questions are the only way to elicit information there are other avenues. Remember this is not an interrogation. Stay present and describe what you see in your teen\u2019s body language and facial expressions. If your teen looks upset or happy share your visual observations with them. You will be surprised by their response even though technically a question has not been asked.<\/p>\n Finally, be sure to remain in the moment and remove any possible distractions when trying to communicate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nAdult: “Hi sweetheart. How was your day at school?”
\nChild: :::Blank stare:::
\nAdult: “Did you have a good day? What did you learn today?”
\nChild: :::Still Nothing:::
\nAdult: “Are you okay?”
\nChild: “I\u2019m fine!” :::Storms to room and shuts door firmly:::<\/p>\n