Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“If you were packing a bag right now for a trip to a made-up planet, what are the three things you absolutely couldn't leave without?”
What to listen for
If they pick comfort items, like a stuffed animal or blanket, they're showing what makes them feel safe when heading into the unknown, worth noting for real-life transitions too.
If they pick tools, gadgets, or something to explore with, that shows an adventurous, curious streak that likes to feel prepared and capable facing something new.
If they say "I don't know," ask what they'd be most scared to forget, sometimes fear reveals what they value.
What this tells you
What they can't leave behind shows what actually makes them feel ready to face something new and unknown.