April 15, 2004

Talking to Children

Talking to children is easy when you think about it. In most respects the rules are the same as when talking to adults. You must never talk down to them because it is demeaning, and because they always know more than you think they do. You must also listen with respect. You should not speak when you really have nothing to say. You know the rest.

One thing to keep in mind, though; children are not just adults in smaller bodies. They are instinctively able to sense your level of interest and sincerity. They have not yet learned how to pretend to listen. Most of the time they can spot a phony in a nanosecond.

to Journal Main Page