Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old

The prompt

“If you got to plan your dream birthday party with absolutely no limits, what's the first thing you'd add?”

What to listen for

If they go big and specific, a bounce castle made of candy, every friend they know, a whole day of games, they're showing you what makes them feel celebrated and important, and that's worth remembering for real.

If they focus on who's there rather than what's there, they're telling you connection matters more to them than stuff, which is a lovely thing to lean into when planning is real.

If they shrug or say "I don't know," try "okay, just one thing, cake flavor or guest list first?" Small choices are easier doors into big imagination.

What this tells you

Their dream party is a window into whether they feel most alive around people, around adventure, or around being made a fuss over.