Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old

The prompt

“What's one thing about growing up that you're actually excited about?”

What to listen for

If they mention independence, like staying up later or doing things alone, that excitement shows a healthy pull toward trying new things and stretching what they can do.

If they mention a specific skill or responsibility, like cooking or riding a bigger bike, that's them picturing themselves as capable, which is exactly the confidence you want to encourage.

If they say growing up is scary instead, that's worth sitting with gently, since it may mean they need extra reassurance that grown-ups are still there to help even as they get bigger.

What this tells you

Their answer shows whether they picture growing up as gaining more freedom and skill or as losing the safety of being small.