Mary Bryan Elementary
#WEAREMARYBRYAN
Website: perryschools.org/mb/
Location: 4355 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-789-2600
Twitter: @MaryBryanElem
SOCIAL WORK CORNER
Do you know one of the best ways to support your child’s healthy social- emotional development? Helping them talk. Simply talking about a child’s day, their hopes and dreams, and their likes and interests helps kids make connections and better understand their feelings. Here are some ways to get started:
First, set the stage. Find a good time and place to have a conversation. It can be as simple as being in the car together or spending 10 minutes before bedtime to check in with each other.
Next, model the behavior. Share about your day and your thoughts and feelings in a way that is appropriate for your child’s age.
Finally, ask open ended questions. If a child can answer with a yes or no, it may be a short conversation. Ask questions that require a sentence to answer. It’s the difference between asking “Did you have a good day?” and “What happened today that was good?”.
Click here for a video that explains more about the benefits of helping your child learn to express him or herself.
Here are some conversation starters from “On Our Sleeves”
What was the best part of your day? Parents, we recommend you answer this one too. Having everyone participate is a great way to model for our children.
What do you like most about school? It can be easy for kids to fall in the trap of finding what they DON’T like about school. Challenge them to find the positive.
How were you brave today? This question could be especially helpful for kids who are nervous going to school.
What was something that made you laugh today? This question can generate all kinds of silly answers, leading to lots of laughter and positive energy at the table.
What was the hardest part of your day? Even though we want to know about all the good stuff, we also want to know what challenges our children faced throughout their day.
When you’re sad, how do you make yourself feel better? This opens the door for parents to talk about good coping skills. Feel free to replace sad with any other emotion, like stressed or angry.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Teach your kids to dream and set big goals. It doesn’t matter how they answer. Play along and let them have fun with it!
How were you kind to someone today? Teach your kids the value of kindness. We can’t spread enough of it throughout the world.
If you had one superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it? Let kids be silly. Spark their imagination and see what creative answers they come up with.
What are 3 things you are thankful for? This is another great question for parents to answer as well. Model gratitude, and your kids will follow in your footsteps.
---https://www.onoursleeves.org/mental-wellness-tools-guides/conversation-starters/dinner-table-conversation
