RollerCoaster
Want to know all about your child's first day of school? DON'T ask questions
It may seem counterproductive, but the best way to learn all about your child's first day of school does not involve asking a million questions.
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Rethinking After-School Questions: Expert Says Less is More for Kids' Well-being
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parenting Expert Advises New Approach to After-School Conversations United States – As children return to school, a leading child development specialist and parent coach, Caley Kukla, is challenging traditional after-school routines, suggesting that parents rethink the common practice of immediately asking children about their day. In a recent viral video, Kukla highlights that well-intentioned questions can inadvertently create "demand fatigue" for children who are already cognitively depleted from a day of learning, socialization, and new expectations. Kukla, who identifies as a child development specialist and early interventionist, explains that a child's day at school involves constant mental engagement, from navigating new environments and peers to meeting academic demands. Upon returning home, children often need time to decompress rather than immediately facing another set of cognitive demands from parents. "Questions are not connections," Kukla states in her video. "They are demands, because we ask a question, we expect an answer in return, and that's a cognitive demand on our child who's probably already cognitively depleted." She urges parents to offer a simple, heartfelt greeting, such as "It's so good to see you," and then to wait for the child to share their experiences when they are ready. Additionally, Kukla highly recommends providing children with a snack and water as soon as possible after school. "Balancing that blood sugar can go a long way," she advises, noting that physical needs often contribute to a child's mood and ability to communicate. The advice has resonated with parents, sparking widespread discussion online about effective ways to foster connection without overwhelming children after a long school day. Many parents shared their own experiences and alternative strategies, underscoring the universal nature of this parenting dilemma.
Motherly
Back-to-school tip that helps your child actually open up about their day
This back-to-school tip from a viral TikTok shows why asking kids a million questions after school can backfire—and how to help them accurately.
