When your child responds with vague answers like 'It's too hard,' use reflective listening ('It's too hard... what part is too hard?') followed by clarifying questions beginning with who, what, where, or when. Break complex problems into components—if getting ready for school is hard, which specific part is challenging? This drilling transforms surface responses into actionable insights like 'I can't think of the words to start each section of my essay.' | Ross W Greene PhD | The Explosive Child

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Master the Art of Drilling for Information

When your child responds with vague answers like 'It's too hard,' use reflective listening ('It's too hard... what part is too hard?') followed by clarifying questions beginning with who, what, where, or when. Break complex problems into components—if getting ready for school is hard, which specific part is challenging? This drilling transforms surface responses into actionable insights like 'I can't think of the words to start each section of my essay.'

-- Ross W Greene PhD