3 Essential Questions Every Mother Should Ask Her Child About School

It's essential for a mother to be aware of what is happening with her child during their time at school, as the child is away for several hours and may be exposed to different situations. She should not make the mistake of just sending her child to school without paying attention to their emotional well-being and experiences. It’s not enough to only check the homework and review lessons.

A mother needs to understand what her child is experiencing emotionally, whether they love or dislike school, and what challenges they may face. To help with this, "nadormagazine and Your Child" magazine had a conversation with educational counselor Amal Durgam, who shared three questions mothers can ask their children to understand their experiences, challenges, and emotions at school. These questions can help identify if the child is facing bullying, has issues with classmates, or simply isn’t enjoying school.

Steps Before Asking Questions About School

1. Accompany your child to school: If possible, try to go with your child to school at least once. Many children go to school by bus, and parents may only drop them off at the door. It's important to go inside the school with your child once and walk around the area. This gives you a reason to ask questions later, helping you better understand the child’s problems at school, which you are responsible for solving. Sometimes, you may need the help of the teacher or school administration.

2. Attend school meetings: Attend the parent-teacher meetings and school events. These meetings often discuss issues related to younger students. It will also give you insights into school activities for children, and your child will feel supported knowing you are actively involved in their school life. This involvement can encourage and motivate your child when they're in the classroom.

3. Understand the child's feelings: Your child may experience three main emotions at school—fear, happiness, and sadness. To discover these feelings and understand the reasons behind them, you should ask your child the right questions after lunch, once they’ve had a nap but before they start their homework and studying.

The Three Key Questions to Ask Your Child

1. School bullying
   Question: "I noticed a child crying today at school. Do you know why they were crying? What do you think caused it?"
   Ask your child this question directly and look them in the eyes to observe their reaction. The child may indirectly share with you their own concerns. For instance, they might mention that the crying child is a victim of bullying, and this could be a sign that your child is also experiencing similar problems like bullying or even theft from other students. If your child cannot directly tell you about it, they might express their feelings about what they observed in this indirect way.

2. Happiness at school
   Question: "I saw a child today who looked very happy and was walking cheerfully, why do you think they were so happy?"
   This question will help you understand what makes your child happy at school. You might find out that the child feels good because the teacher loves them, or they are performing well in their lessons, or they enjoy spending time with their classmates. When you learn the reason for their happiness, you should celebrate it and encourage your child, especially in front of their siblings or the father, to boost their enthusiasm and drive to continue excelling.

3. Learning difficulties and sadness
   Question: "I noticed another child entering school today, and they seemed sad. What do you think made them so sad?"
   Observe your child’s reaction and use body language to show empathy. Let your child guess the reasons behind the other child's sadness, and in doing so, you might discover underlying issues with your own child. For example, your child might feel sad due to financial issues, such as not having enough money for school expenses or snacks. It’s important to know what amount of money is appropriate for your child’s age and needs. Also, teaching your child to save money can help alleviate any financial stress.

In some cases, learning difficulties could also contribute to your child’s sadness and lack of motivation. If your child is struggling with concentration or performance, it might be due to physical conditions like anemia, which can affect their focus and energy levels. In this case, it’s important to discuss any potential medical issues with the school and consider having your child tested for conditions like anemia or other health issues that might be contributing to their difficulties.

Conclusion

By asking these three simple yet insightful questions, a mother can uncover a lot about her child’s emotional and academic life at school. It helps to identify potential issues like bullying, learning difficulties, or emotional challenges, and gives her a better understanding of how to support her child. Monitoring the child's feelings about school is crucial for maintaining their overall well-being and ensuring they have a positive learning experience.