Questions to Ask an Alienated Child

Simple, open-ended question that allows the child to express their current emotional state without pressure.

Gives the child control over what they share and helps build trust by respecting their boundaries.

Critical for understanding the child's sense of security and identifying what helps them feel protected.

Positive question that helps identify the child's interests and creates opportunities for connection.

Gives the child a voice to express their needs and helps adults understand their perspective.

Builds self-esteem and helps identify the child's strengths and positive qualities.

Assesses the child's coping strategies and helps identify when they need additional support.

Empowers the child to express their needs and helps create a more supportive environment.

Aspirational question that helps the child focus on positive possibilities and goals.

Helps identify the child's emotional regulation strategies and areas where they need support.

Important for understanding how the child experiences love and what makes them feel valued.

Gives the child agency to express their desires and helps identify areas for improvement.

Assesses the child's coping mechanisms for fear and helps identify sources of anxiety.

Builds self-esteem and helps the child identify their unique qualities and strengths.

Encourages the child to think about positive possibilities and new experiences.

Explores the child's social needs and helps identify ways to build connections.

Identifies sources of joy and positive experiences that can be used as coping resources.

Gives the child control over what they share about their family situation without pressure.

Direct question that helps the child express their safety needs and boundaries.

Collaborative question that gives the child agency in building the relationship and activities.