I took the opportunity to ask my daughter some questions at bath time a little while ago, attempting to get inside her super active brain. It was fun. I encourage you to ask your own kids some direct questions.
How often do kids get asked questions about what they like and what they do? I would hate for the only memories of me asking H questions are the kind that suck. Like, Where were you? Who were you with? Why didn't you call me?
So, it may be silly, but I am proactively laying some ground work. Let's talk about it! Whatever IT is!
Mom: Hey Harp, can I ask you some questions about things you like?
H: I love jumping!
Mom: Awesome! What do you like about jumping?
H: I like jumping really high high in the air and then more jumping!
Mom: Can you tell me your favorite food?
H: I love Ice Cream! With sprinkles! And I like to make birthday cakes! I love birthday cakes and donuts!
Mom: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
H: I love watering the flowers. See? I'm watering the flowers! (proceeds to water her bathtub bubbles.)
Mom: Are there other things you like to do outside?
H: (casually) I like to go to the park and slide and play with the sprayer, and the park by the library? I like the park and the library.
Mom: What is your favorite toy?
H: Ummm....(whispers) playing with my race car toys and I make them go (shouting) fast, fast, fast!
Mom: What is your favorite color?
H: Pink!
Mom: What was your favorite color before that?
H: Purple
Mom: What was your favorite color before that?
H: Blue!
H: Pink makes me happy, purple makes me angry, and blue makes me sad.
Mom: What do you feel sad about?
H: I feel sad missing my daddy, but then I go to school, and I miss him at school.
Mom: What's your favorite thing about daddy?
H: When we snuggle!
Mom: Last question, what is your favorite book?
H: The put-the-baby-to-bed book. It shows all the babies going to bed! And they have teddy bears!
Mom: Thanks Harp! I love you.
H: I love you too mommy. Let's water the flowers some more!
Authored by A Swift Doula with special guest, H. Swift