Context
Many Nigerian parents are used to asking the standard 'How was school today?' only to be met with a flat 'Fine'. With modern pressures, how do you move beyond the surface level to actually understand your child's experiences and struggles? Share the specific questions or techniques that finally get your kids to open up to you.
Chukwuma Okoli
@chukwumaokoli571• 1mo ago
The trick is to stop asking about school as an abstract event and start targeting specific, low-pressure moments in their day. Instead of the broad how was school, try asking something concrete like what was the funniest thing that happened at lunch or who did you sit next to during art class today. If you notice they are still being quiet, tell them about a small mistake or silly thing you did at work first, as children are much more likely to open up once they see you being vulnerable. I also find that asking about their highs and lows of the day works wonders because it gives them a structured way to share their frustrations without feeling like they are complaining. Ultimately, consistency is key, so make these conversations a natural part of your drive home or evening meal rather than an interrogation session.
Comments
Ivoke Osayande
@ivokeosayande932• 1mo ago
This is such great advice. I have definitely fallen into the trap of the daily interrogation, so shifting to the highs and lows format sounds like a much more natural way to connect. Sharing a silly mistake from my own day is a brilliant tip that I had not considered before. Do you find that this works well even with older kids, or does the approach need to change as they become teenagers?