Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“If you couldn't use any words at all, how would you show someone 'thank you' so they really felt it?”
What to listen for
If they gesture toward a hug, a smile, or making something for the person, they're showing they understand connection can run deeper than words, a sign they feel emotionally fluent for their age.
If they struggle to think of anything nonverbal, that's a fun chance to practice together, try acting it out right now and see what they come up with in the moment.
If they say "I don't know," show them one yourself, like a big hand-over-heart gesture, and ask them to try their own version.
What this tells you
This shows how naturally they express appreciation and care beyond just saying the words.