A Simple Way to Help Your Child Open Up

Hint: It's a practical tip that's great for all ages. Learn better. Play smarter. | [View this email in your browser]( Parenting made simpler. Written by experts. Designed for intentional parents. Be a Plinkit Pro Thank you for reading! This newsletter is made possible through Plinkit Pro membership support. Please consider being a [PLINKIT PRO]( if you aren't already, to enjoy access to all our expert guidance. Your support is how we keep things going. Or, [email us](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com) to find out how your entire school or workplace can benefit from [PLINKIT PRO.]( [BE A PLINKIT PRO]( A Simple Way to Help Your Child Open Up and Share Their Thoughts Some children love to chit chat and divulge. Many children don’t, though, even the most seemingly outgoing ones. "How do I get my child to open up?" is a common question we’re asked. One simple strategy we love is to focus on small talk, while doing something together. For example, I have a bin of random LEGO bits sitting on the rug in the living room. I noticed that when my children would idly tinker and I joined them on the rug, tinkering alongside, the banter would naturally follow. The random chitter chatter led to a beautiful breadcrumb trail of conversation openers. Having an easy-going activity that gets your hands busy and your brain half busy, all while avoiding a direct gaze, neutralizes things for a free-flowing conversation. When the pressure is off, it's easier for the words fall out. It’s why car rides can be a gift, emptying the dishwasher together can lead to conversations about friend groups and why bedtime banter fills everyone’s buckets. (Have you tried adding "Rose, thorn, bud", "Peak and pit" or "High, low, hero" to your bedtime chatter?) The key is to make it routine to casually share space and time that embraces that small talk so that communication with your child becomes an ongoing dialogue - so that when they need you for the big things, the little things and everything in between, they already have a sense for your willingness to be available. Some days, they might not dish. Other days, they might have plenty to say. If there are enough regular opportunities, it'll happen. The goal: have many small conversations. Here’s some of our favourite parent-child activities to help children open up and talk, and they're great for all ages. (We've also added links to ones we’re packing for on-the-go this summer): - 'Special Time' / 1:1 walk + talks (going outside works wonders). - Doing a puzzle together (for [little hands]( for [older children]( or playing a board game after dinner (for [preschoolers]( for [older learners](. - Fumbling with [modelling dough]( or [kinetic sand]( after snack time. - Doing [Chores / Family Jobs]( together - Cooking, folding laundry, weeding, washing the car, etc. - Putting a Creation Station smack in the middle of the dining table - Colored pencils, markers, old magazines, tape, glue, stapler, stickers, pipe cleaners, blank paper. Anything goes! We also love [paint-by-stickers]( [coloring books]( and [paint-by-numbers](. Color, paint, doodle, make a collage and let the conversation wander. - Having a bin of [LEGOs]( or [Plus-Plus]( on a rug to drift to. (A bowl of LEGOs on the dining table also works.) You may also want to read our Plinkit articles below for more scripts and strategies on supporting your child to express their feelings. Build a connection point each day; summer is such a wonderful time for that. Send us a message and [let us know](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com) what’s working for you to help your child open up. We love hearing from you - big stuff and all. Cheers, Charmaine Founder of Plinkit LEARN + DO [How to Ask Your Child About Their Day]( Our favorite conversation starters that can give you insight into what matters to your child, and deepen your connection with them. 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