making a better connection
How Kids Want You To Chat With Them, According To Psychologists And Actual Children
Spoiler alert: don't use baby-talk, or ask them "so... how's school going?"
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The Lede
When it comes to talking with kids, many of us feel the urge to drop the infamous "so how's school going?" and then proceed onto a one-hour rant about our own childhood. Instead, child psychologists — and kids themselves — say we're really just overthinking too much. Here's what you can do to make talking with kids easier.
Key Details
- Approach the conversation with an open mind and with the intention to discover shared interests. Begin by asking open-ended questions related to their hobbies, likes or recent experiences.
- Pay close attention to what the child is saying and show genuine interest in their thoughts and stories. Ask follow-up questions instead of immediately shifting the conversation to your own experiences.
- Be yourself during the conversation and avoid adopting a patronizing tone, kids appreciate authenticity.