Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“If you needed a break in the middle of playing, what's a signal you could use so people know without you having to explain?”
What to listen for
If they come up with something clear and simple (a hand signal, a word, a certain toy held up), they're learning to advocate for their own limits before frustration boils over, a genuinely useful life skill.
If they say they'd just keep playing even when tired or overwhelmed, that's worth gently exploring, some kids push through because they worry stopping will disappoint others.
If they can't think of a signal, suggest a simple one together (like a raised hand or a specific word) so they have it ready before they actually need it.
What this tells you
This shows whether they currently feel able to ask for space, or whether they tend to push through discomfort quietly.