Your kid is silent in the car. Here's what to do.
Headphones on. Window seat. Nothing to say. The drive home when silence is the answer, not a problem to fix.
What they're feeling
- · Processing.
- · Tired.
- · Not ready to perform conversation for you.
- · Sometimes nothing: and that's allowed.
What to say (pick one)
- "Glad you're here."
- "Want music, quiet, or talk?"
- "I'll just drive."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "Why are you so quiet?"
- "Are you mad at me?"
- "Is something wrong?"
The rule
Silence is not a problem. It's a season of the conversation.
If they bring it up
- · If they start, the rule from After a bad game applies. Listen, reflect, one question max.
- · If they don't start, that's also fine. The car can be a quiet place.
- · Same drive again next week. Don't make this one carry too much.
Save this
When they're silent
- · Silence is allowed. It's not a problem.
- · Offer music, quiet, or talk. Let them pick.
- · Don't fish. The conversation comes when it comes.
parentcoachplaybook.com/scripts
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