Not so many parents know their kids too well. Most parents get so busy with a lot of activities these days that they hardly ever have time to concentrate on their children. Children need support and unconditional love to help them develop into confident people. One of the ways to show your love and support to them is by getting to know them on a personal level.
It’s crucial to know that “Children live in the moment while adults live thinking about what the future holds”. No matter how busy we are, we should constantly try to unwind sometimes and live in the moment with our children.
It is important we know that our children’s temperaments are different. Some kids are shy, they like their own space and are often laid back while some are very outspoken, energetic and full of life. Getting to know them on a more intimate level will help you know how to properly relate with each of them. It will also make you understand the kind of person your child is.
“Always remember that the moments spent with our kids today become their memories tomorrow”
These questions will make you know your child to a reasonable extent. It’s an opportunity for you to get to know your kids and interact with them better. It is also a great way to get to know what your child is thinking and a way to bond with them.
Here are some questions to ask your children:
Who’s your best friend?
This question helps you know the kind of company your child keeps. You can tell your child to introduce you to her friend. Get to know her friend and her parent, that way you can know if the friendship is safe and good for your child
What makes you sad?
No parent likes it when their child is unhappy. This is a major reason why you should pay close attention to this question. This makes you understand your child’s emotions.
What is mummy’s job? What is daddy’s job?
Your child should know your profession. It’s also a great opportunity to explain and enlighten them more on what you do for a living.
What do you tell your friends about me?
This will make you know what your child thinks of you and how she describes you to her friends.
Who are your three best role models?
It’s important we know who our children’s role models are and why. This will give you an insight into whom or what has made a positive impact on their lives. As a parent, you should always be a good role model to your children.
If you could be anyone in the world for a day, who would it be and why?
Younger children are more likely to mention some cartoon characters or people who have impacted their lives over the years. Regardless of their answers, this will definitely give you a clue to what their aspirations are.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
Get to know what tickles your child’s fantasy. This can help you get her out of a bad mood if she’s having a bad day or a bit under the weather.
What’s the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
This question will help you know what gestures your child appreciates most.
Can you name one thing that scares you?
It’s important to have an insight to your child’s greatest fear. It will help you know how or when to encourage her.
If you had three wishes, what would they be?
This question will give you a clue to what gift you can give to your child for her next birthday.
What is your favourite colour?
We all know that children are easily attracted to colours which are one of the reasons their items are all made in all manners of colours. Knowing their favourite colour gives you a hint on the colour of gifts to get them.
What is our address?
Your child should always know your house address for safety and emergency situations. If your child doesn’t know this, you can help them by telling them to recite the house address repeatedly after you. This can be done within a month. Do not forget to also do this anytime you move to a new town or city.
What is my phone no?
Parents! This is very important. Your child should have either the mom’s or dad’s phone number memorized for emergency and safety reasons.
What will you like to be when you grow up?
This question is a crucial one. It will help you understand a child’s interest and the likely profession she will probably pursue.
What’s your favourite subject?
In most cases, a child is prone to like a subject if she likes the teacher taking the subject. Do not forget to praise this teacher during the school activity
What is your best sport?
This will help identify that particular sport skill that interests your child.
What’s your favourite food?
This question will help you make adjustments to your meal plan.
What’s your favourite house chore?
If you are very observant you will know your child’s favourite house chore. If you don’t, this will be opportunity to get to know.
What are the new things you have learnt?
After asking this question, you might want to pay attention to the new things or ideas he or she has learnt.
All these questions will actually provide initiatives to take your relationship with your children to the next level. Do not forget to always ask these questions at least once every year because children’s interest tends to change as they mature!
In a nutshell, always challenge yourself to get to know your child better, the more you know them, the greater your impact on their lives.
