After school, the way parents ask questions when their children come home can directly impact the closeness of the parent-child relationship. According to research, about 70% of parents ask the wrong questions at this moment. In fact, during a child's learning stage from ages 3 to 12, mastering the communication technique of “Four Dos and Three Don’ts” can effectively enhance emotional bonds and boost children's motivation to attend school. Let’s take a look at these key questions to ask—and avoid!

• Three Don'ts: Avoid pressuring your child
  • Don't ask, “Were you well-behaved at school today?”
    Using “well-behaved” to evaluate your child’s performance can make them feel judged and lead to resistance. Children usually won’t take the initiative to share misbehavior, but if they had good moments, they’ll naturally tell you.
  • Don't ask, “When are you going to do your homework?”
    Kids are often tired after school, and nagging only adds to their frustration. When emotions rise, they may procrastinate even more. Give them some space to manage their own schedule.
  • Don't ask, “How did you do on your test today?”
    This kind of question may make children think you only care about grades, ignoring their emotional needs. Worse, it adds pressure and could negatively affect their motivation to learn.
    
    
• Four Dos: Encourage positive thinking
  • Ask, “Did you have fun at school today? Was there anything that made you happy?”
    This question helps children reflect on the positive moments of their day, sparking good feelings about school and easily opening up conversation.
  • Ask, “Do you think you did anything really well today?”
    This encourages self-recognition and helps children see their strengths and achievements, boosting their self-confidence.
  • Ask, “Did you face any challenges today? Do you need help from Mom or Dad?”
    Even if your child isn’t ready to share, this question lets them know that no matter what happens, they can always come home for support, creating a sense of security.
  • Ask, “How do you plan to spend your time now that you’re home? How will you divide it between homework and rest?”
    This not only teaches time management, but also gives them a sense of autonomy and fosters self-motivation.
    
    

The way parents show concern plays a crucial role in a child’s development. By applying this “Four Dos and Three Don’ts” communication technique, you can strengthen the parent-child bond and effectively increase your child’s motivation to learn. Remember, communication is a two-way street—when children feel loved and supported, they’ll walk more steadily and confidently on the path of growth!Parent-child communication is a two-way interaction that helps children feel loved and supported. (Image: Screenshot from Genius Leader)

Original source: Genius Leader