Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“If you could invent any pet in the world, even a made-up creature, what would it be and what would it do all day with you?”
What to listen for
If the pet is protective, loyal, or always by their side, they may be expressing a wish for steady companionship and someone who's always got their back no matter what.
If the pet has wild, funny, or magical powers, that's probably pure joyful imagination, a sign they feel free enough to dream big and silly without worrying if it's "too much."
If they say "I don't know," ask if it would be big or tiny first, a small detail can open up the whole idea.
What this tells you
What the pet does with them all day hints at what kind of companionship they're craving right now.