09/07/2025
For those with children, this is essential to read.
Psychologists have developed methods to help parents discover their children's inner thoughts and secrets, using natural, indirect approaches without asking direct questions that might scare them. Here are five techniques you can try, as they might be the key to better understanding and dealing with your child.
The Bird Story:
Tell your child a story about the father bird, mother bird, and their baby bird, who sleep in a nest atop a tree. Then, a strong wind blows and the nest falls to the ground. The father bird flies to one tree, and the mother bird to another. Ask: Where did the baby bird fly to?
If your child says it flew to its father, it indicates a strong attachment. If it says it flew to its mother, it reflects that the child sees her as a source of security. If it says it flew to another tree, it shows the child’s independence and confidence, feeling safe.
The Fear Story:
Tell your child about a little boy who cries loudly and says he's very scared. Ask: What is he afraid of?
Your child's answer will reveal their personal fears and the people who threaten or disturb them.
The Travel Story:
Tell your child that someone is going to travel to a very far place and will never return. Ask: Who do you think this person is?
Their answer will help you understand whom the child dislikes or wishes to stay away from. If they say: “It’s me,” it indicates self-criticism or low self-esteem — so pay attention to their response.
The Good News Story:
Tell your child that a child just returned from school, and their mother called them quickly: “Come, I have good news for you!” Ask: What do you think this news might be?
The child's answer can help you understand their desires, fears, and expectations.
The Disturbing Dream:
Tell your child that a child woke up tired and upset, saying they saw a disturbing dream. Ask: What do you think the child saw in their dream?
Their response will reveal their vulnerabilities and issues in their relationships with family and friends.
Note:
It is important not to suggest answers to the child or scold them if their answers don’t match your expectations. Do not tell them you expect a different answer. The goal of these stories is to understand the child's fears and concerns to handle them appropriately.
These methods are suitable for children aged four to ten years.
