Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What do you think actually makes a house feel like a home?”
What to listen for
If their answer is about people and feelings (love, laughing, being together) rather than objects, that's a strong, clear sign of a secure and connected sense of home, celebrate that answer specifically. If their answer is about stuff (their toys, their room), that's completely normal too; it just means home currently feels more tied to their own space and belongings.
Listen for whether they mention safety or comfort words (like feeling cozy, feeling safe), those are strong signs that home currently meets their need to feel protected and settled.
If they say "I don't know," ask what's different about home compared to anywhere else they go.
What this tells you
Whether "home" means people or possessions to them right now shows what currently anchors their sense of safety and belonging.