I have observed that talking to a child isn’t necessarily something that comes naturally to people. So here are a few tips on talking to the younger set.

1. Get down on their level. Try to get eye-to-eye with the child to avoid towering over him.

2. Don’t talk down to children. Speak respectfully, as you would an adult.

3. Talk about things in the child’s realm of experience. Kids don’t care about your recent car buying experience because they can’t possibly relate to it. But they can relate to the boring math teacher you had in fifth grade.

4. Listen when kids talk. Really listen. Stop what you’re doing. Make good eye contact, and don’t check your phone. (That applies when you’re talking to adults, too. :))

5. If a child is shy, respect that and don’t press him to speak. Instead, make him comfortable by saying something like, “That’s okay. I don’t always feel like talking either.” As you talk to others around you, make an occasional side comment to your shy friend, just to include him, maybe even one that doesn’t require a response. This helps you win his trust and respect.

Talking to children can be lots of fun. Often, I’d rather talk to the kids in the room than the adults. The conversation is usually light, lively, and funny. It’s rewarding to know you’ve made your way into a child’s heart, and most likely they’ve found a way into yours as well.

Do you gravitate to adults or kids at gatherings? What other tips have you found that help you talk to children?