Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What's something we could do or say to make goodbyes feel less sad?”
What to listen for
If they suggest a phrase, a hug, or a plan for next time, that shows they're building their own tools for handling separation, which is a big, healthy step.
If they get quiet or teary just talking about it, that's worth holding gently, it means goodbyes are genuinely hard for them right now and they need extra reassurance that people come back.
If they shrug it off, that's fine too, some kids process goodbyes lightly and that's okay.
What this tells you
How they want to soften a goodbye shows how much they need reassurance that connection continues even during time apart.