The Daily Dad This is How to Connect with Them
Jan 19, 2026
Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a powerful lesson emerges about connecting with kids. Instead of the typical 'What are you doing?', shift to 'How are you doing?' to foster deeper conversations. This simple change can enhance emotional understanding. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking about feelings rather than making assumptions. Practical insights on parenting create a community focused on growth and understanding, helping parents better connect with their children.
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King's Simple Social Shift
- When Martin Luther King Jr. mingled after sermons he asked parishioners, "How are you doing?".
- That small change revealed genuine care and made people feel seen in a harsh environment.
Seeing Beats Assuming
- Loaded questions can make kids defensive or insecure and block connection.
- Seeing and caring matters more than immediate problem-solving or assumptions.
Ask Feeling-Focused Questions
- Ask children how they feel instead of what they did to invite honest connection.
- Use open, feeling-focused questions like "Is everything okay?" to avoid loaded assumptions.