Tonight with your 9 to 12 year old
The prompt
“What's something you used to be embarrassed about that doesn't bother you anymore?”
What to listen for
If they can name it easily, that's a sign of real growth in self-acceptance, they're learning that things that once felt huge can shrink over time, which builds confidence for whatever embarrasses them today.
Notice if they credit a person or moment for the shift, that tells you who or what has been quietly helping them feel more okay with themselves.
If they say everything still embarrasses them just as much, that's worth taking seriously and gently, since it may mean they need more reassurance that being seen isn't dangerous.
What this tells you
This reveals how much progress they feel they've made in liking themselves, not just performing confidence.