Shiloh Hills Newsletter

Building Meaningful Conversations with Your Child

Regular communication with your child about their school day, emotions, and academic progress is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen their connection to learning and their overall well-being. Studies show that children who feel supported through open conversations are more likely to excel academically, build resilience, and develop strong self-esteem. When parents take an active interest in their child’s experiences, it fosters a sense of security and belonging that deeply impacts their success both in and out of school.

Here are some ways to nurture those conversations:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
   Instead of “How was school?” try, “What was something new you learned today?” or “What made you feel proud this afternoon?” Open-ended questions encourage your child to share more details and keep the dialogue flowing. I also liked to ask "What was the silliest thing that happened today?" or "What happened at lunch today?" for more lighthearted shares.

2. Focus on Emotions
   Understanding emotions is key to your child’s growth. Ask, “How did you feel during [specific activity]?” or “Was anything hard or exciting for you today?” These questions help children process their feelings and connect them to their experiences. Sharing your own feelings with experiences also encourages your child to know it's okay to feel all sorts of feelings.

3. Celebrate Effort Over Results
   Shift the focus from grades to effort. Ask, “What part of your project was the hardest, and how did you handle it?” This approach encourages a growth mindset and perseverance. Also sharing an event from your day where you made a mistake but overcame it helps to show to your child it's okay to make mistake.

4. Create Space for Reflection
   Set aside regular times for these conversations, such as at dinner, during car rides, or before bedtime. A routine of meaningful dialogue creates trust and helps children feel valued.

5. Model Communication
   Share highlights from your own day or challenges you faced. Showing vulnerability and honesty encourages your child to do the same and strengthens your relationship.

When we prioritize these conversations, we show our children that their experiences, feelings, and opinions matter. This not only boosts their confidence and connection to school but also strengthens the parent-child bond. A child who feels understood and supported is more likely to develop a lifelong love of learning and a positive attitude toward overcoming challenges.

Let’s work together to build these meaningful connections and empower our students to thrive!