The kids have done their homework. Their bellies are full. They are winding down. Getting ready for the next day. They know what to do. There was a time when I used to watch their every move. I would not let them out of my sight. They were so little then. Now they are grown.
The don’t need my help as much. When they do need my help, I hesitate to help them. I want them to figure some things out for themselves. If I am too quick to help them, they will not try to figure out what needs to be done. I want them to make the effort. If they put in a good effort, and still can’t figure it out, I will help them.
Most of the time they can figure out what needs to be done. If they can’t I don’t give them hints. I will ask them questions to help them arrive at the correct answer. Next time they may not need me to help them at all. The idea is to build up their critical thinking skills. If they are hungry after dinner, they know where to find things. If they want more information, they know I will ask more questions to help them think about it.