Tonight with your 9 to 12 year old

The prompt

“What's something you do to entertain yourself when there's no screen around at all?”

What to listen for

If they can name a real activity, building, drawing, making up stories, going outside, that's a sign they've developed their own internal resourcefulness, which is worth naming as a strength, not just luck.

If they say they get bored and can't think of anything, that's common and not alarming, ask what they used to do before screens were an option, which sometimes unlocks an old favorite.

If they say "I don't know," ask about the last long car ride or waiting room and what got them through it.

What this tells you

This tells you how much they can generate their own fun rather than needing it handed to them.