You can see it on their face. Their behavior has changed. They’re quieter than usual, frustrated, withdrawn or just not themselves.

So you ask, “Are you okay?”

And they say, “Yeah.”

Conversation over.

But what if “Are you okay?” is actually making it harder for kids to tell us what’s really going on?

In this episode, we’ll unpack why that simple yes-or-no question may not give students the opening they need, especially when they’re overwhelmed, dysregulated, or struggling to find the words for what they’re feeling.

Because sometimes the goal isn't to get a child talking.

It’s to let them know: You don’t have to be okay for me to stay connected to you.

Listen in for simple questions you can try tomorrow.