Dinner time with the kids is total mayhem. Getting the right plate, sitting in the right seat. Each person wanting to tell you about their important day, both at the same time. Once everyone is settled, everyone is calm (ish) and the food is out I try to find out as much as I can about their little lives and what they have so done during the day.
I want to share it with you as it helps you get to know your little one, their loves and fears. In our house we each take it in turn to tell each other about the 'best part of the day' and the 'not so best part of the day'. I don't like to ask them 'what's the worst part of the day' as I prefer to use positive language.
So Amélie's best part of the day was that in wet-play a girl did some arts and crafts with her. I ask some open questions to help her expand on this so she can't just give 'yes' or 'no' answers. For example, 'what arts and crafts did you do?' 'What colours did you use?' Etc
Then I ask 'what was the not so good part of the day?' She said when her teacher got cross with the class. Again I asked her some open questions 'what was she cross about?' 'How many times was she cross?' I always find it imperative during this conversation to ask 'how did it make you feel?' This helps to expand the conversation and they get to explore their feelings. I also get an insight into how big an issue something is.
Sebbie's best part of the day was playing in the playground, even though he got wet ( I think that was what made it so great ). The not so good part was hurting his finger.
I love these conversations, I get a total insight into their day and I'm always amazed and impressed by the things they get up to.
Why not try it with your children, or even your partner. Remember to use the open questions, everyone loves to talk about their day and it helps bring you closer together.
Happy chatting xx
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