How to Use Strategic Questions

"How was your day?" A question many parents and caregivers say to their children. It's an easy question to pose; however, it doesn't often yield the results we want, and we press harder. For example, "How was your day?" can be an overwhelming question for children as their ability to recall events is part of their executive functioning skills. Executive functioning skills do not fully develop until age 25. However, when using the Mind-Body-Family-Fun 4 question ritual, talking about the day can become less cumbersome and more routine. This ritual also helps naturally strengthen higher functioning skills, allowing children to recall and visualize their memories. Here are the basics of this routine:

Body: What did you do today to move your body?

Movement increases the mind's ability to focus, builds confidence, improves sleep, and strengthens academic performance.

Ex: Did you run around outside today? Did you learn a new skill in PE today?

Mind: How did you exercise your mind today?

The child’s brain is constantly developing and creating new neural connections. Real-life learning experiences form new architecture in their brains.

Ex: During art did you create anything today? In writing…

Family: What did you do to help out our family?

Developing a healthy work ethic starts young. Nurturing children's life skills will help children succeed as they get older.

Ex: Could you help set the table? Will we need a plate or a bowl for tonight's dinner?

Fun: What was the most fun thing you did today?

Play is essential in child development. Play boosts everything from mental health to physical well-being, improves language development, and helps children work on their problem-solving skills.

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