Lead by Example with Patience and Understanding

Written By Vanessa Brink

Self-Reflection Questions to Help You Help Your Child

Daily Self-Check

  • What is the weather like?

  • Did I sleep well? Did I get enough sleep?

  • Am I in good health? Am I thinking clearly?

  • How do I feel right now? Can I explain why I feel the way I do?

  • Am I ready to respond to the day’s activities with thoughtful reason or with emotional reactions?

Conversation

  • Do I engage in conversations with my child?

  • Do we take turns in our conversation?

  • Do I show I am interested in what my child says to me? How?

Curiosity

  • Do I ask my child questions? Do I demonstrate to my child that asking questions is important for understanding and clarification?

  • Do I share what I am curious about with my child?

  • Does my child know that I am curious about the world as he or she experiences it? Observations? Thoughts? Feelings? Interests?

Tonality

  • What tones of voice do I use with my child? When do I use each tone?

  • Does my tone indicate to my child how I feel about them?

  • Does my tone help them grow?

Vocabulary

  • Do I Introduce my child to new words?

  • Do I explain words if I think the words are new or the meaning is unclear?

  • If my child asks what I mean, do I take the time to explain myself?

  • Do I use new words in multiple ways so my child is growing their vocabulary?

Self-Advocacy

  • Am I aware that my child watches me and learns how to behave from me?

  • How do I advocate for myself or my child with others?

  • Do I differentiate between what I need and what I want? Am I able to firmly insist on what I need and kindly ask for what I want? Does my child do the same?

  • Do I listen to my child when they explain what they need or want?

Repetition

  • How do I react when my child asks me to repeat myself?

  • When I repeat myself, do I try to answer with more explanation? Do I clarify what it is that my child does not understand?

Skills

  • Do I share my skills with my child?

  • Does my child know different activities I am interested in?

Unplugging

  • Do I turn off all technology for a set amount of time every day?

  • Do I put down all technology before I go to sleep?

  • Do I set my phone down when I speak with my child?

  • Do I give more attention to my child than I do to my technology?

Vanessa Brink
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Anecdote: Learning to Read