We all want the best for our children, mentally and physically. Physical health can be tough enough to gauge, but mental health can be even tougher, especially if your child has trouble expressing herself in words. To that end, modern psychology does offer some useful tips any parent can use. The following are questions you can use to check in with your child, monitor her or his mental health, and hopefully discover ways to help them be healthier, happier, and better adjusted.

1. Do You Feel Sad?

This simple question is easy for most children to understand and answer. It is not leading and generally not threatening. Most children will answer it readily. It can be especially effective for children under the age of 9.

2. Do You Sleep Well?

This question is also non-threatening. The answer you get can tell you a lot about the child’s mental state such as whether or not fears or anxiety are plaguing the child. The answer may also indicate a range of physical health problems that might be tough to spot otherwise. It’s important to look at a child’s quality of sleep instead of what time they are going to bed each night. If a child is going to bed at a reasonable hour but is still fatigued each morning, you should look at what’s affecting their sleep.

3. Does Anything Make You Worry or Feel Afraid?

Another good question for younger children. This question, as it is phrased, will not spur most children to invent fears or worries as it is not leading in nature. Children may not know the difference between fear and worry, which will be fine in the early stages of these conversations.

4. How Does Your Body Feel?

This question can lead you to mental health-related issues. Persistent head or stomach aches are good examples of this. Irregular heart activity can be an indicator of persistent anxiety. Of course, any physical complaints your child makes should be taken seriously and shared with authoritative professionals if necessary.

5. Who Are Your Friends? Do You Enjoy Being With Them?

The quality of your child’s friends can tell you a lot about the quality of their daily experience as well as their ability to perform in a scholastic setting.

6. Do You Believe You Can Be Happy?

A child who answers no to this question may be in dire need of professional intervention. Without hope, anyone can fall into suicidal ideation, especially children.

Naturally, there are many, many questions you could ask your child to see how she is doing. What’s important is to keep the questions simple. Do not lead the child into attempting to give you the answer she or he thinks you want. Finally, avoid questions that could evoke or encourage suicidal ideation unless absolutely necessary.

Learning to ask effective questions can not only help you understand your child’s experience, but it can also help you develop an open line of communication with them. You have an opportunity to encourage your child to speak openly about her or his feelings. We hope you will make the most of it!

Published by: Martin De Juan