Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What's something you do differently than pretty much everyone else at school?”
What to listen for
If they say it with pride, like a unique way they solve problems or a quirky habit, they're showing healthy confidence in standing out, which means they feel accepted for being themselves, not just for fitting in.
If they seem unsure or worried it's a bad thing, that's your cue to reassure them clearly that being different in that way is actually something good, so they don't start hiding parts of themselves to blend in.
If they say "I don't know," mention something you've noticed yourself that makes them stand out in a good way.
What this tells you
How comfortable they are naming this difference shows how safe they feel being fully themselves outside home.