Summer is over, fall is fast approaching, and the kids are back in school. Have you settled into your groove yet?
What groove, you ask?
The “groove” is all about the habits and systems you put in place to set your family up for success. From packing lunches the night before to completing homework and making sure it actually makes it into the backpack before it’s placed by the front door, these routines help create a smoother and more successful school year.
The hustle and bustle of back-to-school season can feel busy and stressful, but FACCES Education is here to help make it both fun and informative.
Question… and be honest!
How many times have you asked your child, “How was school today?” only to get one of these responses:
“Fine.”
“Good.”
“Okay.”
Arrrgggh! (High school parents, feel free to insert an eye roll here.)
As parents, we want to know that our children are safe, happy, and learning. We want details. We want insight. We want to connect. So how do we get beyond those one-word answers?
The key is asking open-ended questions that encourage conversation rather than simple yes-or-no responses.
Try these conversation starters after school:
- What made you laugh at school today?
- Did anything make you feel worried or scared at school today?
- Tell me something funny that happened today.
- Who did you help today?
- Who do you wish you had spent more time with today?
These simple questions can open the door to meaningful conversations and help you better understand your child’s daily experiences, emotions, friendships, and challenges.
When we know more, we can do more. These conversations help parents stay connected and informed while also giving children an opportunity to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Working Together for Student Success
Parent involvement and teamwork are key ingredients in educational success. Parents want clarity, and children want to know that the important adults in their lives are listening.
So give these questions a try and see where the conversation takes you. We’d love to hear any memorable or surprising responses your children share.
Here’s to a successful school year and to getting our kids talking more about their day!
Need help? Got questions? Reach out to our Education Director at edu.director@thefacces.org!
