Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“What do you hope never, ever changes about our family get-togethers?”
What to listen for
If they name a specific ritual, food, or person's role, that shows they've found something in family gatherings that makes them feel steady and sure of what to expect.
If they name a feeling instead, like everyone laughing together, that's them noticing the emotional glue of the event, not just the details, which is a lovely sign of connection.
If they say they're not sure, ask what part of the last gathering they'd want to happen again exactly the same way.
What this tells you
What they want to stay the same shows what part of family tradition makes them feel most safe and sure of their place.