Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“Out of all your stuffed animals, which one would be the bravest, and what would it do?”
What to listen for
The 'brave' qualities they assign to the toy often mirror what they wish they themselves had more of, or already feel proud of having. Ask for a story about the toy's bravery.
If the brave act involves protecting someone else, that shows a caring, protective streak coming through in play.
If they're stuck, ask which stuffed animal they'd want by their side if they were scared.
What this tells you
The bravery they imagine for their toy is often a quiet reflection of the courage they're building in themselves.