Let’s Talk About Families!
Here's What To Do
Talk to your child about your family, say “Families can look different, but all families are special. Let's make a list and talk about what families do.” Write down or draw your child’s responses. If needed, ask guiding questions such as, “What do we do as a family? Who does what? For example, who helps with dinner, who plays with you, and who gives hugs?”
Together talk about other families say, “What do you think your friend’s family does? Do they have someone who helps cook, just like us?” Encourage your child to imagine how another family might do things. Write down or draw their responses.
Guide your child to compare and contrast your family with other families. Ask, “Some families are big, and some are small. How big is our family? Do you know a family that’s bigger or smaller than ours?” Discuss the members of the family as well such as, having pets, living with grandparents or other family members. Write down or draw your child’s responses.
Review the things you wrote down and celebrate how your families are the same and different.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a quiet place with a space for your child to write. Take three deep breaths together.
Engage:
- “Does your friend’s family do anything the same as us?”
- “If you could add something to our family, like a pet or a fun activity, what would it be?"
Encourage:
- “Yes, our family has two children but your friend Sam doesn’t have any siblings, that means their family only has one child making our families different. Lets try finding another family that also has 2 children.”
- It’s okay if your child has difficulty thinking of what makes their family the same or different. Give them time to think.
Reflect:
- “What’s your favorite thing about our family?”
Not quite ready?
Simplify by asking just one or two questions about your family. For example, “Who makes you laugh in our family?” or “Who helps you get ready for bed?”
Ready for more?
Have your child talk about what they like from other families that could be added to your family.
As your child masters this skill...
They will learn to notice similarities and differences between their families and other families.