Wellbeing at TPS

Hello families, 

This week, I want to touch on the power of asking open-ended questions about your child’s school day. 

As a parent, staying actively engaged in your child's life is crucial for their development and wellbeing. One effective way to connect with your child and gain insight into their school experiences is by asking open-ended questions about their day.

Open-ended questions encourage your child to provide more than a simple "yes" or "no" response. They invite your child to share thoughts, feelings, and details about their day, fostering a deeper, more meaningful conversation. These questions also demonstrate your genuine interest in your child's life and help strengthen the parent-child bond.

Here are some open-ended questions you could begin asking your child today! 

1. "Can you tell me about something interesting that happened at school today?"

2. "What did you enjoy the most about your day?"

3. "Was there a moment today that made you feel proud of yourself?"

4. "Who did you spend time with during recess or lunch, and what did you do together?"

5. "What's something new you learned today that you find exciting?"

6. "Is there anything you found challenging or confusing at school?"

7. "How did you feel when [specific event] happened?"

8. "What's something you'd like to explore or learn more about?"

9. "Can you share something that made you laugh today?"

10. "What are your thoughts about [a subject or topic discussed in class]?"

The KEY thing to remember is to be a good listener! 

When you ask open-ended questions, be sure to actively listen to your child's responses without interrupting or judging. Validate their feelings, and let them know you're there to support and guide them through their experiences.

By incorporating open-ended questions into your daily routine, you'll not only gain valuable insights into your child's life but also create a loving and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Your interest and involvement in their school day will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and development.

I hope you all have a fantastic break over the next fortnight, I look forward to seeing everyone return energised and ready for Term 4 on Monday 2nd October!

Rhys Lindsay