Handling conversations with our children is an art that requires patience, understanding, and effective communication. As parents, we want to encourage our kids to open up to us and share their experiences, and a simple phrase like I made a new friend! can be a great conversation starter. However, it’s how we respond to this statement that can make all the difference in building a strong and supportive relationship with our child.

When our child shares exciting news with us, our initial response can set the tone for the rest of the conversation. A simple That’s great, sweetie! or Awesome, I’m so happy for you! can go a long way in making them feel heard and validated. This initial response can also encourage them to share more about their new friend and their experiences together.

Here are some alternative responses you can use to encourage your child to share more:

Oh, that’s fantastic! What’s your new friend’s name?

I’m so proud of you for making a new friend! What do you like about them?

That’s awesome, kiddo! What did you guys do together that was so much fun?

Wow, I’m so happy to hear that! What does your new friend like to do for fun?

I’m thrilled to hear that, sweetie! How did you meet your new friend?

As the conversation progresses, it’s essential to ask open-ended questions that encourage our child to share more about their experiences. Avoid asking yes or no questions, as they can limit the information our child is willing to share.

Here are some open-ended questions you can use to delve deeper into the conversation:

What do you think you’re going to do with your new friend next time you hang out?

How does your new friend like the same things as you?

What’s something funny that happened when you were with your new friend?

How does your new friend make you feel when you’re together?

What do you think you can learn from your new friend?

As parents, it’s crucial to actively listen to our child’s responses and show genuine interest in their experiences. This means maintaining eye contact, nodding to show we’re engaged, and summarizing what they’ve shared with us.

Here are some additional responses you can use to show your child that you’re actively listening:

I can see why you’re so excited about your new friend! You seem really happy when you talk about them.

So, let me get this straight… you met your new friend at recess, and now you guys sit together at lunch? That’s so cool!

I can tell you’re really proud of yourself for making a new friend. That takes a lot of courage!

I love hearing about your new friend! It sounds like you guys have a lot of fun together.

That’s amazing, kiddo! I’m so happy to see you making new connections and friendships. You’re doing great!

By using these responses and questions, we can create a safe and supportive space for our child to open up and share their experiences with us. Remember, the goal is to encourage our child to share more, listen actively, and show genuine interest in their lives.

In conclusion, responding effectively to our child’s statement I made a new friend! is crucial in building a strong and supportive relationship with them. By using open-ended questions, actively listening, and showing genuine interest in their experiences, we can create a safe space for our child to open up and share their lives with us. As parents, it’s our responsibility to nurture and guide our child’s development, and effective communication is key to achieving this goal.

Be kind ❤