“Our job as parents isn’t to provide certainty in a time of uncertainty. Our job is to help kids tolerate the uncertainty,” explains Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute.

Getting kids, regardless of age, involved in problem-solving makes them feel empowered and like they’re part of the solution. But, if you ask vague questions, you’ll get vague answers, including the dreaded “I’m fine” (the quintessential conversational dead end). Dr. Bubrick’s advice is to lead with curiosity and ask open-ended yet specific questions.

Read more here.