This year we placed our six kids into public school after years of homeschooling. We were scared about the transition, but I knew that they would thrive given each of their personalities.

Imagine my surprise when after two weeks, my first grader, Mia, came home and said that some girl had been taking her stuff every day during the afternoon break. Of course, the litigator in me wanted to track down that spineless grade-schooler and sue her for harassment, intentional infliction of emotional harm, and whatever cause of action I could fathom. But my anger turned to joy when Mia smiled and said in her small meek voice, “But today I stood up to her.”

What if she had never told me about her day? What if a month had gone by and I never learned about the incident? That’s not acceptable for me and it should not be acceptable for you and your children.  And so I am inspired to write a list of questions that I can ask my kids every day in order to get to know them (and protect them if necessary). I encourage you to do the same.

1. How was your day? (That’s an obvious one!)
2. Were you sleepy when you got to school? (Helps us figure out their sleeping patterns.)
3. Did you get enough to eat today? (Helps us figure out their nutrition and energy.)
4. Did you like your outfit or clothes today? I certainly did. (All little girls need to hear this one!)
5. Tell me one thing you learned today. (Are they expanding, everyday, like you should be?)
6. Did anyone make you feel uncomfortable today? (Let’s start finding some red flags.)
7. If today was a race, what place did you get? First place, middle of the pack, or last place? (Need a metric…)
8. You know daddy is a Warrior. Did you slay any dragons today? Can you tell me about your dragons? (This is to really dig deep and find any red flags!)
9. What’s the best thing that happened to you today? (Helps them find the good in all things.)
10. What can I do to help you have a better day tomorrow? Let’s pray real quick. (Here’s a quick one on praying with yours kids!)

Any others that you can recommend?