Tonight with your 9 to 12 year old
The prompt
“Is there a story a grandparent or older relative told you that's really stuck with you?”
What to listen for
A detailed retelling shows they value being connected to family history that stretches beyond just their own daily life, that sense of belonging to something bigger matters more than it might seem.
If they mention wanting to hear more stories like that, that's a clear cue to make space for more time with that relative, since these connections build a steadier sense of where they come from.
If nothing comes to mind, that's a good nudge to go collect a story together soon, rather than a sign of anything missing.
What this tells you
This shows you how connected your child feels to the family's larger story, not just their own.