7 things kids want to hear from mom and dad when they are back home

The moment kids come home from school, they crave a warm welcome and someone to listen to them and who can be better than parents. With all that went on at school-good, bad and tough, and even some of it worse!-hearing the right words from parents can make all the difference.

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Conversation with parents may permanently affect or influence the emotional well-being of the child. The connection helps children to process what has happened throughout the day, and reinforces trust, communication, and mutual respect within family life, all setting lifelong foundations for open and supportive relationships.

It may seem simple, but this question can have a profound impact. By asking “How was your day?”, parents show they care about their child’s experiences. It’s essential for parents to ask this question with genuine curiosity, listen carefully, and be ready to follow up with more questions if the child is open to talking. Kids crave this kind of attention because it opens up a space for them to share anything on their minds—whether it’s something funny that happened during recess, a new lesson they found interesting, or a challenge they faced.

Children thrive on positive reinforcement, and hearing words of pride from their parents can be one of the biggest confidence boosters. After a long school day filled with challenges, a few words of encouragement can make kids feel appreciated. Whether they’ve excelled at a task, shown kindness, or put in effort, hearing “I’m proud of you” from their parents affirms that their hard work and good behavior matter. This phrase not only boosts their self-esteem but also motivates them to keep putting forth their best effort.

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School can sometimes be a scary place for children to meet high academic standards, social expectations, or performances in extracurricular activities. When they go home, knowing they are free to fail without disappointing parents brings huge relief. Listening to, "You don't have to be perfect," children learn and grow. It encourages taking risks, the process of making mistakes and trying again with minimum judgment.

When parents show interest in something specific their child mentions—like an art project, a friend, or a story from class—it lets the child know their thoughts and experiences matter. By saying “Tell me more about…” and encouraging them to expand on a story, parents demonstrate active listening and genuine interest. This openness helps build trust and fosters a safe space for the child to share thoughts, emotions, and opinions.

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Children have homework, project assignments, and sometimes social pressures. If they feel a parent is supportive by being able to help with a difficult assignment or to listen to a problem, it can alleviate some tension in them. Saying "I am here to help you" lets children know that they are not alone, nor are they a burden, and it's okay to ask for help. It builds a security into which kids can fall when in doubt, and emphasizes cooperation and resilience.

School can bring out a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to frustration and anxiety. Kids often need help processing these emotions, and it’s essential that they feel safe to express them. When parents tell their kids, “It’s okay to feel…”—whether happy, sad, disappointed, or frustrated—they validate those emotions, teaching that all feelings are natural and acceptable. This support helps children build emotional intelligence, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and reduces the chance of them bottling up emotions.

At the end of a long day, knowing that their parents like spending time with them makes children feel appreciated and loved. When saying, "I love spending time with you, parents show unconditional love and appreciation and make kids feel safe and protected. Whether that be a few minutes of conversation over a snack, reading together, or playing a quick game, those moments reassure kids that they are loved not for achievements or behavior, but because they are themselves. This can be a very powerful foundation for self-worth and self-confidence.

A healthy conversation between parents and school-going kids involves open-ended questions and active listening. Parents might ask, “How was your day?” or “What was the most interesting thing you learned?” showing genuine interest. Kids should feel comfortable sharing both achievements and challenges. Parents can encourage positive problem-solving by asking, “How can I support you with this?” or “What do you think would help?” This kind of dialogue fosters trust, making kids feel heard and respected. Praising efforts over results, staying patient, and avoiding judgment creates a safe environment where kids are more likely to express themselves openly.

When kids return from school, engage them in fun activities to unwind and spark creativity. Start with a snack-making session where they create colorful fruit skewers or mini sandwiches. Follow up with a simple craft, like making friendship bracelets or decorating bookmarks. Head outside for a quick game of catch, hopscotch, or hide-and-seek for some fresh air and movement. Set up a reading corner with their favorite books, or let them unwind with storytime. For a creative twist, try a "draw-your-day" session where they illustrate their school day. These activities help kids relax, bond, and enjoy their post-school hours.

When kids come home from school, avoid asking questions that may feel overwhelming or intrusive. Don’t ask, “Did you get good grades?” as it can create pressure around performance. Avoid “Did you behave well?” which may make them feel judged. Steer clear of “Did you make new friends?” or “Were you picked on?” as it may put undue focus on social anxiety. Avoid repetitive questions like “What did you learn today?” since it can feel tiring right after school. Instead, give them time to unwind, and engage with gentle, open-ended questions once they’re ready to share naturally.

When a child returns from school, create a calm, welcoming environment. Start with a warm greeting, allowing them to unwind and share about their day. Offer a healthy snack to recharge them physically. Designate a quiet, comfortable space for homework, free of distractions. Provide essential supplies and a comfortable chair for focused learning. Balance study time with short breaks and include gentle encouragement to make homework feel manageable. Afterward, plan for relaxation or playtime, whether it's reading, a creative activity, or outdoor play. This routine fosters emotional security, encourages productivity, and lets them enjoy a smooth transition from school to home.