Even Prince William Deals With This After-School Parenting Struggle

Royals—they’re just like us! Even the future King of England is not exempt from experiencing his children’s reluctance to share details about their school day.

During a recent school visit in Liverpool, England, when asked about what Prince William’s children—Prince George, aged 11, Princess Charlotte, aged 9, and Prince Louis, aged 6—learn in school each day, the Prince openly acknowledged, “They always say absolutely nothing at all.”

Thousands of miles away from royal residences, my own children also frustratingly withhold information about their school day. From my first grader to my teenagers, I often find myself questioning if they are simply uninterested in discussing school or if they spend their day staring at a wall!

Some Kids Have Different Communication Styles

Children vary in their willingness to talk about their day. In our household, my daughters are generally more expressive than my sons.

According to Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, a psychotherapist in Los Angeles, a child’s gender and temperament can influence their openness to communication.

Bayramyan notes that introverted kids may require more time to process their experiences internally and may not readily share details.

Kids who feel overwhelmed or anxious may refrain from discussing their school-related concerns, as per Bayramyan.

Opening Up to The Positive Parent

Bayramyan suggests that children might be reluctant to share their feelings if they feel they will be judged, taking into account the child’s age.

“Older children, particularly teenagers, tend to value peer relationships more and may not consider their parents as their primary confidants,” she notes.

How To Encourage Children To Share About Their Day

Is it challenging to engage certain children in conversations about their day away from home, where they are growing and encountering new things?

According to Jenn Manak, a Professor of Education at Rollins College, prompting kids with specific questions is the solution to fostering communication. She advises avoiding questions that only result in a “yes” or “no” answer.

Dr. Manak emphasizes that asking detailed questions demonstrates to children that we are attentive, appreciate their thoughts, and are genuinely interested in engaging with them.

She recommends initiating conversations about their social interactions, like lunch companions or recess playmates, to encourage younger children to share. Older kids might be more inclined to discuss their activities or friends. Dr. Manak believes that these topics can lead to broader conversations, especially about their learning experiences.

How to Connect with Younger Children

To establish a connection with younger children, The Positive Parent suggests using play-based interactions. Engage in activities like drawing, playing with toys, or doing tasks together to create a comfortable environment. It is crucial to show enthusiasm and reflect their energy by genuinely being excited about their responses.

Here are specific questions that The Positive Parent can ask preschool and elementary school-aged children:

Encouraging Communication with Your Tween or Teen

Sometimes, when engaging with tweens or teens, they may perceive inquiries about their day as an interrogation.

Professionals recommend that caregivers consider timing as a crucial factor when conversing with older children.

According to Jennifer Kelman, a Family Therapist at JustAnswer, kids are more likely to open up when parents give them space instead of bombarding them with questions.

Kelman further advises parents to understand that after a long day at school, children may not immediately want to discuss their activities, so it is essential to respect their need for space.

Teenagers may require time to process their day before engaging in conversations. It is vital to reassure them that you are available whenever they are ready to talk.

Engaging Middle and High School-Aged Children

When engaging with middle and high school-aged children, The Positive Parent can ask questions that spark meaningful conversations. Utilize information from the day before to tailor your inquiries, showing your child that you are attentive and interested in their world, as recommended by Kristen Miller, Director of Education for Celebree School.

Strategies for all ages

Bayramyan recommends engaging children of any age by asking questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything make you laugh today?”

Additional techniques to encourage dialogue with children about their daily experiences include:

Overall, Kelman emphasizes the importance for adults to realize that discussing the day is more beneficial for the parent than for the child—thus, it is crucial to be patient, allow children space, and eventually, most children will communicate when they feel comfortable.

The Positive Parent: Promoting Healthy Parent-Child Relationships

The Positive Parent plays a crucial role in fostering healthy relationships with their children. By practicing positive parenting techniques, parents can create a nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and respected.

Encouraging Open Communication

One key aspect of being a Positive Parent is encouraging open communication with your child. By creating a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, you can build trust and strengthen your bond with them.

Setting Boundaries with Love

Setting boundaries is essential in parenting, but The Positive Parent does so with love and understanding. By clearly communicating expectations and consequences, parents can teach their children important lessons while still showing them love and support.

Leading by Example

The Positive Parent leads by example, demonstrating the values and behaviors they wish to instill in their children. By modeling positive behavior, parents can inspire their children to do the same and create a harmonious family dynamic.

Fostering Positivity and Resilience

By practicing positive parenting techniques, The Positive Parent can foster positivity and resilience in their children. Through love, understanding, and communication, parents can help their children develop the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.