Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“Was there a moment today when you felt kind of small or unsure of yourself?”
What to listen for
If they can name a specific moment and talk about it openly, that's a great sign of trust, they feel safe enough to share vulnerable feelings with you instead of hiding them.
If they brush it off or seem reluctant, gently let them know it's okay to feel that way sometimes and that you're glad whenever they tell you, this builds the safety for next time.
If they say "I don't know" or "nothing," that's fine too, you might share a small moment of your own to show it's normal and safe to talk about.
What this tells you
How openly they share this shows how safe they feel being vulnerable with you.