Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“Is there a worry that's been sitting with you this week that we haven't talked about yet?”
What to listen for
If they open up easily and it's something small and fixable, they trust that bringing worries to you gets them relief, not more trouble, that's a wonderful sign of safety.
If they get quiet or say "it's nothing" but seem a little relieved you asked, they may be sitting on something bigger than they can name yet; try following up gently over the next few days rather than pressing tonight.
If they truly say "nothing," let it go lightly, "okay, but I'm always here if one shows up" keeps the door open without forcing it.
What this tells you
Whether they can name a private worry to you tonight shows how safe it feels for them to hand you their harder feelings instead of carrying them alone.