School Counselling Corner
A Message from the School Counsellor
I have just started at St Anthony’s this year, and I am still getting to know students and adjust to a busy Tuesday schedule. I feel very blessed to be a part of a beautiful school with so many caring staff members and families. I am hoping to connect more with the school community and welcome your thoughts, questions and feedback.
Parent Tip: How was your day?
(Sources: Big Life Journal, Marsha Linehan: DBT skill - curiosity)
As a parent myself, when I ask my children about their day (school, friends, etc.) I often get the response:
"I don't remember"
"Fine"
"Okay"
We want to have meaningful conversations with our children. We want them to be excited about telling us things. So how do we get them talking? Of course, developing a deep, trust-based connection with our child is key here. But even then, sometimes our kids don't want to bother telling us about their day.
In this case, try this simple tip. Instead of asking them lots of questions
"How was school?" "What did you do there?" "Who was there?" "What happened?" or the total conversation killer " WHY questions like, "WHY did he do that?", "I wonder..." "I wonder if your friend was there too." "I wonder what you had for dessert at the party..."& "I wonder who was playing with you today"...
When we use I wonder; instead of asking them lots of questions, we are showing our genuine interest, we aren't being intrusive, and we aren't demanding their answers. Our children will WANT to satisfy our curiosity.
Try using "I wonder" next time you want your child to tell you about their day and see how it goes. Have a great week everyone.
Warm regards,
Georgina