Playful Parenting: Bringing Play to Every Day

Playful Parenting: Bringing Play to Every Day

The Power of Open-Ended Questions

You probably ask your child lots of questions every day. But did you know that how you ask your child questions has a big impact? It’s true! By asking open-ended instead of closed-ended questions, you help boost critical and creative thinking, spark communication skills and much more. And, the best part is, it’s easy to do.

Closed vs. Open-Ended Questions

What’s the difference between a closed-ended and an open-ended question? Closed-ended questions are answered in one or two words, and often prompt a yes/no response or a right/wrong answer. “Do you like apples?” or “What color crayon are you using?” for example.

Open-ended questions encourage a child to think deeper and communicate more. “What do you like about apples?” or “Why did you choose that color?”

This is not to say you should eliminate closed-ended questions entirely. Closed-ended questions are necessary to get through the day. For example, “Do you want a hot dog or grilled cheese for lunch?” But, whenever possible – during playtime and in conversation with your child – be intentional about using open-ended questions.

Asking open-ended questions is a simple and powerful way to learn more about your child’s thoughts, theories and interests, and further your child’s development (and yours, as you master the art of asking open-ended questions).

Include Open-Ended Questions in Play Time

Play time is a great time to ask open-ended questions. Here are a few examples to get you started:

  • “What do you want to explore first?”
  • “What is your plan?”
  • “What do you think we should try next ?”
  • “How do you think this thing works?”
  • “I wonder what will happen when you…”
  • “How do you feel about it?”
  • “What do you like about this?”
  • “Why do you think that happened?”
  • “What does this remind you of? And why?”
  • “If you could do it over again, what would you do?”

After You Ask a Question … WAIT!

Once you’ve posed an open-ended question, it’s important to give your child the time they need to think about the question and develop their response. By waiting, you’re letting them know you’re looking for their thoughts and ideas, not a specific answer.

4 Benefits of Open-Ended Questions

There are many benefits of open-ended questions. For example, asking open-ended questions boosts:

Critical Thinking. Since there isn’t a right or wrong answer, your child is given the opportunity to think through many different angles and possibilities, and solve problems themselves.

Creative Thinking. Your child has the freedom to think beyond the obvious and tap into their imagination.

Communication. Since answers require more than a one-word response, your child has the opportunity to practice and stretch their vocabulary and communication skills.

Confidence. Open-ended questions empower children to express themselves, which builds self-confidence in sharing their thoughts and ideas with you and others.

SUPPORTING A CHILD’S PLAY

SUPPORTING A CHILD’S PLAY

Tips for Supporting Social-Emotional Learning in Kids

Tips for Supporting Social-Emotional Learning in Kids The pandemic undeniably affected many kids’ social-emotional development. Some studies show that younger kids are often behind in developing the skills to identify and manage big emotions – critical skills for...

read more

Benefits of Mud Play

Playing with Mud: Why It's Worth the MessMud is messy. It’s sloppy and squishy and dirty. But it’s also a great tool for discovery and growth through play. From supporting cognitive development to boosting creative thinking and self-confidence, it turns out that mud...

read more

Three Tips to Help Kids Recognize and Process Emotions

Three Tips to Help Kids Recognize and Process EmotionsAs parents and caregivers, part of our job is to pay close attention to kids’ emotions and help them recognize, identify and process the incredible range of human feelings. It’s not always easy! In fact, it’s often...

read more

Play Boosts Emotional and Mental Health in Kids

Play Boosts Emotional and Mental Health in KidsIt’s no secret that the amount of time kids spend playing has been declining. In fact, kids growing up today play an average of eight hours less per week than children did in the 1980s. The trend has prompted warnings...

read more

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This