Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What's something you'd want us to build together this weekend?”
What to listen for
Notice whether they pick something big and ambitious (a fort, an obstacle course) or something small and quiet (a puzzle, a drawing), the scale often mirrors how much energy and excitement they're currently bringing to togetherness. Either is a great sign that they want shared time with you specifically, not just an activity.
If they suggest something that requires real teamwork and patience, that shows growing comfort working alongside you as a partner, not just being directed by you.
If they say "I don't know," suggest two options from things you know they love and let them pick.
What this tells you
What they want to build together shows how they want to spend closeness with you right now, grand adventure or quiet focus.