Repeat Your Child’s News Before Replying
Whenyour child tells or shows you something that happened
Briefly reflect what you understood: “The tower fell just before you finished?” Then let them correct or add to it before you give an answer. Reflect their event, not a guessed motive.
Why it works
Your first reply can show that their story arrived before your solution did.
Start tiny
Repeat one detail and leave a pause.
What you’ll notice
You hear the part that matters to them before charging in.
When it slips
Advice already coming out? Stop and ask “Did I get that right?” A nod, sign or picture counts as an answer. Adapt: Birth–1: mirror a signal instead of summarizing news. 1–3: repeat one observed detail. 3–6: check your understanding of their account.
Raising Children Network. Talking and listening to preschoolers. Read the source ↗ Practice guidance; no required speech or eye contact.
Foundation: Small recurring actions with little setup. Choose anchors that fit your day.
