hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to uncover how to talk to toddlers try Loctavan Teaching Toddler Strategy ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.
I love her comments about how to compliment children. SO TRUE. On a related note, I've learned that a good note to start a conversation with a kid, like, seven and younger is their shoes. Works every time. :)
Oh this is funny, there is a movie "What Planet are you From? " and in it the key character is instructed that when he visits planet earth as a come on line he tells the women, I love your shoes."
As someone who's worked in childcare in various capacities, don't talk down to kids, regardless of age. It's incredibly offensive, demeaning, and they will respond to it exactly the way you'd respond if someone talked to you like that. Honestly I think Mr Rogers was one of the best exemplars of how to interact with kids, ie as people who are just smaller, a bit more vulnerable and who probably haven't had as much life experience as you.
The older you get, the more you forget about how it's been. You don't necessarily know how you should interact with kids, so people presume they should go easy on them. Now that you mention it, I just realized that I, too, speak simpler with children but used to hate it when grown-ups talked to me like that back then.
@Felixkeeg well, I wouldn't say it's a presumption. Kids do need to be treated more gently than adults. However, they do not need to be treated like animals or objects, as many seem to treat them. They need to be allowed to live, just as any adult.
Because some adults simply are not around children much. I work with kids and I’m around children all the time. But there are some people that are just not around kids much. Maybe because they don’t have any, maybe don’t have any younger cousins or friends with kids either.
What wonderful advice. We'll never forget what it felt like when grownups didn't treat us as people with feelings and thoughts of our own. Great job, Chelsea! Your respect for children comes out strong and clear.
I'm a parent, and interacting with children is exhausting to me. Everybody expects the physical exhaustion of early parenting, but I think people underestimate the mental exhaustion of trying to keep up with their energy once they're more independent. I don't know how they keep going, but I'm ready for a nap around 1PM.
Amen, kids of any age can be exhausting! Especially when they ask "why" questions a hundred times a day. Keep your head up, I'm sure you're doing great; and I hope you get a nap in there sometimes! :) DFTBA!
It need not be exhausting. Try to see the world from your child's perspective. Imagine the lack of control and the confusion that comes with it. Remember that they are human beings too, and they need to be heard. And look, I know it can be tiring. Everything in life can. But exhausting things are usually the most productive, as well as the most enjoyable.
@@PracticalPoppins just ask them what they think (not all the time) and watch your question being answered for you. though i am aware this comment was 5 years ago lol
I'm Asperger and talking or interacting with children is the one social skill I feel I've been at least as good or better than my peers. I was a smart kid and hated being talked down to or not taken seriously, I do not remember every crying after hurting myself but I do remember crying when I felt peoples thought I was stupid, like when my mother told me Santa Claus did not exists she probably thought I cried because I was shocked or something, when in reality I did not like my own mother thinking I was an idiot.
I didn't know how much I needed this XD I'm great with kids aged 1-3, but the older kids I'm super awkward around. I'm already an awkward and shy person, and then when talking to kids I don't have as much of a "script" to follow to ease my anxiety like I do with other people my age. This was helpful!
Oftentimes, if one struggles with children, it's because they have yet to reconcile with their inner child. Treat kids like human beings. See the world from their perspective, and be gentle and explain things carefully. Learning how to treat children correctly and gently is crucial for adulthood. Both in family scenarios and in public, an understanding and respectful attitude with children is crucial.
I appreciate the advice. I'm someone who literally just doesn't know how to interact with young children - I try to avoid interacting with kids, because I just feel completely lost and I feel put on the spot when others introduce me to their kid(s) or the kid(s) want me to play with them. I'm not sure how I ended up like this, but I have a lot of social anxiety and issues communicating with people in general, so maybe that plays some role in the challenges I face with kids? Anyway, my older brother (20 years older than myself) is amazing with kids and always has been. I'm not sure how I ended so utterly lost. 😩
At work, I needed to get the attention of a 4-year-old girl that was running around in the store, and all I could think of to say to her was, "ma'am, um ma'am, excuse me ma'am." XD Which is a bit strange, but I felt too weird about calling her "sweetie" or something cutsie like that, cause it felt creepy and I also would not call her by that if she was an adult. Was there anything less dumb to call her?
Same. I had a stranger's kid come up to my table at dinner and acted like he was gonna confess or something, his parents at the back smiling and pushing him, I just stared and ate my food while he just STOOD THERE. That was horrible. I'm that bad with kids :'))
This is why I've stayed in my severely underpaid job for so long. Yesterday I built a rocketship for dinosaurs, played Mario Kart, and had a discussion about why different balls are used for different games. Working as a Play Specialist means I get to just hang out and be silly all day long.
I’m a guy with a degree in Early Childhood and a retired teacher of gifted. The best way to have a conversation with a tot is not to overwhelm them with attention at first. A few fun faces and smiles will draw them to you after the huge extended family has worn them out. My best tip to is use questions sparingly and avoid yes/no questions.
Im here for my 3 year old neighbour who wants to be my best friend 😁 shes so cute ❣ i just cant act natural around children 😂 update, it’s been 2 years 😂 my little neighbour is now 5, and i did my work experience in my primary school, and got to visit her class for a day! i am a lot less awkward now, and help out at brownies too. i just go along with what they say most of the time, but if they are shy like i was i still struggle to come up with things to say to them sometimes 🥴
@@zkai6519 as long as you’re not kidnapping him, just act interested in whatever he says ✋🏻😭 i still can’t talk to kids and i’m volunteering at a nursery for work experience HELP
love this. My own boss tries to point out how I talk on an adult level to certain children at my work, I'd love a video on how to talk to children who seem to be more frustrating or create that overstimulation for you, if they aren't comfortable with you but you are the only teacher at the moment. I've been trying to do better about getting down with them. I find I prefer working with toddlers or kindergarten or pre-k.
These were some great tips! I only see my young niece and nephew once or twice a year since they live far away, so I'm always looking for ways to interact with them better.
Sarah Smith One thing that can help, before they come next time? Stop by your local library. Ask if there are some books with games or crafts, or activities appropriate for their ages. Usually they'll have a parenting section with lots of books with cool ideas. If they're younger- like 6 or younger? Read to them, or if they can read have them read some "I can read" chapter" books to you. Have a librarian find you something funny, silly- Captain Underpants or "Waldo the Farting Dog", "I love you Stinky face"...or something like that where you can laugh together.
Kids have lots in common with adults. Talk about food, animals, superheroes, princeses. Make use of the timeless cartoons such as Spiderman, Scooby Doo, or the family features like Trolls, Inside out (what ever is in at the time {Frozen may be a touch too old by now but you can give it a shot}) As an adition to never talking down to children, you may want to lower your status in order to become true friends. Goofing around and doing slapstick such as " let me show you how I do a balerina piruette" folowed by something ridiculus which includes falling on your bum is great. To lower my status I like to tell 4 year olds and up "You're way older than me. I'm just 2, and still wear dipers." Now if you have to retain authority you should be careful not to take your status too low. This is important mostly if you're dealing with kids who have too much energy. Sometime kids like that will be naughty for fun. In that case the joke may turn on you if you try too stop them so don't. Instead join them in they're fun so you can turn it less dangerous. Like a bunch of nine year olds wanted to atack me with basket balls on a play ground the other day. I said I won't play along that way and showed them the little kids ball pit. "You can shower me with plastic balls all you like." I said, simultaniously throwing balls at them. Let them have they're fun and once 2 or 3 get bored, you can say you're bored too and be done.
If their parents are there, take your cues from them. And when in doubt, ask. My nephew is 2 1/2. He's seeing someone to help him focus and expand his attention span, so it's important that you work with that plan. If he's all over the place it can help him if you stay consistent and keep him engaged with a single activity. But other kids without attention issues might need different attention.
Yay Chelsea! 💜 This was delightful. I haven't worked in childcare in five years, but watching this reminds me how much I miss being around little ones. I especially love being able to goof off with them. Making a silly face? No big deal - just playing with some cute kids. 😊
I appreciate this and have learned things from this video, but I feel it was being approached by the question, "How do I interact with children to get them to like me" as opposed to "How do I interact with children to inform them of what I am trying to convey". Examples of ideas I'm trying to convey are, "please stop climbing me", "please stop crying/screaming", "please stop kicking me; kicking isn't nice", "please, just stop" and the all-purpose W.C. Fields classic, "go away kid, ya bother me".
Sir, with due respect, to treat a child humanely, you need to get them to like you. You tell a kid something harshly and sharply? You got your point across, but in the process you just emotionally abused a child. Treat kids like adults. You wouldn't speak to an adult with such blunt and words, or try to ignore or shut them out when they are clearly trying to interact with you, would you? Then do the same with children. Children deserve just as much respect as you do, regardless of what their petty habits are.
@sander heutink I think you'll find the equation is far less equal than that. Children are human beings as well, I will have you know. If they don't listen to something, they are probably doing it for the same reasons an adult would; it threatens something close to the heart, it damages their confidence, and so forth. To demand something of a child without a proper explanation is cruelty, and to become annoyed or angry with a child for simply responding in a human manner is blaming the victim.
never ever thought I would be watching this as a 14 year old. I'm constantly around little kids, but my anxiety makes it so awkward for me to communicate with their energetic needs and I just never know how to talk to them. especially depending on the age range. now even at age 14, I'm looking up stuff like "how to talk to little kids" "how to get along with little kids" or "how do you make conversations with little kids?"
You probably had life experiences that made you less confident, it's the opposite for him. He interacted more regularly with his peers and naturally grew to feel amazing around others while you're alway anxious about what others might think about you. But this anxiety only makes people actually feel negatively about you which reinforces this vicious cycle. It's a pretty hard situation but not the end of the world. Learn to be more confident and less anxious with others in general, maybe in specifically safe environments. Try overall talking to people more and less on your phone. And it really is very worth it because it's simply so much fun. I really love it so much talking to others and especially with children, I feel like those who can't are missing out so much and are experiencing so much less happiness.
I honestly didn't know that other people have this same problem of not knowing how to talk to children. I thought it just came natural to other people. Good tips.
You talked about not touching a baby uninvited or respecting kids' personal space, but I have the exact opposite problem. People want me to hold their baby and I am NOT comfortable with that, what do I do? And kids always want to touch me and hug me and I am also not comfortable with that but I don't know how to tell them to stop without sounding mean.
Yeah! I am more or less afraid of babies, I think they are gonna fall on the floor and die or something. So when people force me to hold their little terror, I sit on the floor and tell them why. If not on the floor then at least sit down and make sure it can't talk. That amuses people... 😜
Jade Aria Telling an adult to stop and telling a child to stop are the same. Use firm language, be consistent, and remove yourself from the situation if necessary. Like if a small child (who doesn't know any better) grabs my boob or something, I've said "I don't like that, please stop." And I've moved their hand away. If they keep going (sometimes they think it's a game or don't understand) I frown or scowl so they know I'm not happy and repeat myself. Or if they hug you (because they hug everyone) you could say "No hugs please, thank you!" Some adults don't like hugs, that's probably what they'd say to another adult.
From me experience the baby holding situation is something you often just have to tolerate and play along. If you have a really,I mean really good connection to one of the parents then you can just tell him/her, but I that is not the case your only chance is hinting that you are unconfortable around kids in a random conversation not directly connected to the situation, because that could result in hurt feelings.
great tips. my son is 13 months and can't say many words but can follow directions better than my 3 year old. and i have had to learn to stop telling my daughter that shes cute because now she calls everything and everyone cute. so I have started complimenting her more on her kindness, humor and intelligence.
This is such a helpful video! I'm working on becoming a youth librarian, and honestly, the ability to interact with kids always scares me (even though I guess I do alright), so I'm always on the lookout for new tips! You've got a new subscriber, Chelsea!
Librarians are awesome, and becoming a youth librarian...that's double-awesome. :) I'm always on the lookout for great children's books- when I need something new to read with my kiddos, may I ask you? Thanks for subscribing, and good luck in your studies!!
It'd be awesome if you could share role plays or example conversations a nanny who's new to the US could use to start a conversation with a child in the US (maybe between the ages of 6-13). The setting is mostly for tutoring or teaching children in small groups. Thank you!
I realized I didn't know how to interact with babies and really little kids until one of my best friends had baby and once he turned 1 and was walking around like a real little human, I was like 'wait, how am I supposed to talk to him?' His parents were like we just talk to him like another adult, which was good because that was my default guess. I still was surprised when I asked if he wanted help opening a granola bar and without looking up he said "no, I've got it." Kids really are smarter and more capable than we're lead to believe.
Really refreshing video with wonderful advice that couldn't have come at a better time! I was just admitting my worries with my ld partner at how I'm no good with people around 16 and under (don't know what to do/say with them) and the prospect of meeting her close family - most of whom have kids that are below that age and three of whom she sees/looks after on a daily basis - was quite terrifying. I'll try and remember these tips when I go!
Super amazing helpful advice Chelsea!! This reminds me how much I appreciate being spoken to as an adult by my parents when I was little. I honestly think that helped me to have much more advanced language skills than my peers early on in school.
I was parentified as a kid, and I'm SO scared of doing the same to a kid, so maybe I tend to talk more "easily", I hope that I don't talk down to them, but I just want them to feel like they are safe and can be just kids.
Hank here is such a surprise to me.. I have watched a couple of biology tutorial videos on crash course and I never thought I would see him in such vids.. Cool☺️
Thank you for this video. It helped me a lot with my nervous feelings about meeting my siblings foster children. I have always been pretty good with kids and this video reinforced for me that I already know and do the basics right while offering some more nuanced perspective.
I'm one of those adults who relates too much to preteens and teenagers such that I have accidentally made comments about when all your friends are getting married to them and they're like ... I'm 12. But when we're talking about common interests (and when teenagers now watch Drag Race) it just feels like talking to friends. Overall, I thought working at a children's theatre (and staying appropriate) would be harder, though.
Im not a teacher or an adult but i lovee kids and i really wanna encourage them and help them live the life i havent lived. But there is alot of bullies in our school and they look kinda afraid when i just stand next to them and think wether i should speak up or not so thank you omg
Me before I watched the video: WHERE WAS THIS VIDEO THIS PAST WEEKEND WHEN I HAD TO INTERACT WITH A LOT OF KIDS AT WORK?!?! Me after I watched the video: Oh, I did most of these things she suggested, so I actually did ok!! :D
1.Children are humans just like you. 2.When going to someone's house,follow the etiquettes given in the video. 3.Speak to them at eye level 4. Don't only comment on appearance. 5. Keep a sense of humour.
Thanks so much for this video! I‘m having my Au Pair interview with a lovely host family for the second time tomorrow and I‘m going to skype with their kids. They are two years old and I felt so helpless because I didn‘t know how to talk to them for the first time. Especially when it‘s over Skype. I think with this video I‘m feeling prepared! 👏🏻
Thank you soo much! I'm gonna see my younger cousin (5) again after a year and my baby cousin who I've never met. I'm really exited and I'm only sixteen so you'd think I know how to talkbto kids but I'm super self concious so this really helped me a lot.
I have to babysit a four year old this week and I’m shitting myself lmao I’m so awkward in general and kids are even scarier because they’re unpredictable and just straight up say what they think
So hilarious!!!! Currently binge watching the "how to adult" series. So practical and also so funny. I can't stop laughing. Thanks for all the great advice!
Has anyone noticed that either Hank or Rachel are hanging in the Hang in There poster in the background and when they're both in the episode no one is in the poster?
my girlfriend and i are gonna teach preschoolers a terracotta pot painting class tomorrow 🎨 coming here to learn more on how to interact with them properly, thank you 💪
I feel like maybe this is a Canadian thing -- but practically every one I've ever known takes off their shoes inside the house, babies or no babies... How's that weird at all ?
As someone who has a strong opinion on this topic, I was afraid this video would encourage many of the things I despise about the ways adults frequently treat children, but I was pleasantly surprised to find just the opposite. Children are people to, and there is no benefit to talking down to them or underestimating their intelligence. To do so only serves to feed our own egos. They have a right to respect and consideration, just like anyone else. "Cute" is not a compliment. To tell a child they are cute is demeaning, and trivializes their efforts.
How do you talk or connect with teenagers? I feel like they automatically judge me and pick up on the fact that I am awkward and lived in a tower my whole life lol.
With "Go with they are." Yes ask them about school (they may or may not be interested in talking about that) ask them about a toy you see in the area, are they wearing a graphic t-shirt, or shoes with a design? Ask them about that. Walk through a toy section and look at the ones based on TV or movies for pop culture references. Also hi-fives? Yes, I work in retail and I have gottwn kids out from behind their parents and smiling by aaking for a hi-five or fist bump.
I'd love to be able to goof off with kids, since you just don't get to do that with many adults. But the fear of looking weird in front of other adults is too much for me to overcome. I even feel awkward holding kids or crouching down to say hi if there's other adults watching. I've considered working around kids since it seems like so much fun, so I'd love some help overcoming my fear of looking nuts.
Me and my friend is starting to work a week in a kindergarten in a couple weeks! We are both 14 years old and need to know how to interact with 1-3 year olds :)
Cool, now how do I speak to adults?
Brb gotta writhe in agony at the prospect of a grown up phone call
@@songfreak1745 baseball bat
HAHAHAHAH
hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to uncover how to talk to toddlers try Loctavan Teaching Toddler Strategy ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.
Simple, with adults just use your phone and ignore them
I love her comments about how to compliment children. SO TRUE. On a related note, I've learned that a good note to start a conversation with a kid, like, seven and younger is their shoes. Works every time. :)
Now that you mention it, complimenting most people on their shoes- young or old- is usually a good conversation starter. :) Thanks!
KunoichiN3rd and on respecting their personal space
Oh this is funny, there is a movie "What Planet are you From? " and in it the key character is instructed that when he visits planet earth as a come on line he tells the women, I love your shoes."
As someone who's worked in childcare in various capacities, don't talk down to kids, regardless of age. It's incredibly offensive, demeaning, and they will respond to it exactly the way you'd respond if someone talked to you like that. Honestly I think Mr Rogers was one of the best exemplars of how to interact with kids, ie as people who are just smaller, a bit more vulnerable and who probably haven't had as much life experience as you.
wdym by talk down?
Never mind I think I get it now
@@Emma7878 Talking to them as If they are f*cking stupid
at least I think that's right
FINALLY SOMEONE GETS IT!!!
Exactly. Just talk normal except try to leave out the big words.
I just dont know how some adults dont understand this. I remember childhood, and I hated when adults treated me as if I was stupid.
The older you get, the more you forget about how it's been. You don't necessarily know how you should interact with kids, so people presume they should go easy on them. Now that you mention it, I just realized that I, too, speak simpler with children but used to hate it when grown-ups talked to me like that back then.
@Felixkeeg well, I wouldn't say it's a presumption. Kids do need to be treated more gently than adults. However, they do not need to be treated like animals or objects, as many seem to treat them. They need to be allowed to live, just as any adult.
Oh my God! Me, too! I want to talk to kids like they’re smart mentally there!
Because some adults simply are not around children much. I work with kids and I’m around children all the time. But there are some people that are just not around kids much. Maybe because they don’t have any, maybe don’t have any younger cousins or friends with kids either.
Don't forget she is a koala
What wonderful advice. We'll never forget what it felt like when grownups didn't treat us as people with feelings and thoughts of our own. Great job, Chelsea! Your respect for children comes out strong and clear.
Socratica Kids specially when you're smart
I'm a parent, and interacting with children is exhausting to me. Everybody expects the physical exhaustion of early parenting, but I think people underestimate the mental exhaustion of trying to keep up with their energy once they're more independent. I don't know how they keep going, but I'm ready for a nap around 1PM.
Amen, kids of any age can be exhausting! Especially when they ask "why" questions a hundred times a day. Keep your head up, I'm sure you're doing great; and I hope you get a nap in there sometimes! :) DFTBA!
It need not be exhausting. Try to see the world from your child's perspective. Imagine the lack of control and the confusion that comes with it. Remember that they are human beings too, and they need to be heard. And look, I know it can be tiring. Everything in life can. But exhausting things are usually the most productive, as well as the most enjoyable.
How does knowing that something is useful or productive make it any less exhausting? That makes no sense.
You don’t have to change anything about yourself just be yourself and talk to your kid like she/he is human.
@@PracticalPoppins just ask them what they think (not all the time) and watch your question being answered for you. though i am aware this comment was 5 years ago lol
HELLO SMOL HUMAN
hiihihihihihihi
I'm Asperger and talking or interacting with children is the one social skill I feel I've been at least as good or better than my peers. I was a smart kid and hated being talked down to or not taken seriously, I do not remember every crying after hurting myself but I do remember crying when I felt peoples thought I was stupid, like when my mother told me Santa Claus did not exists she probably thought I cried because I was shocked or something, when in reality I did not like my own mother thinking I was an idiot.
SlyPearTree, you are not Aspergers, you have Aspergers.
I didn't know how much I needed this XD I'm great with kids aged 1-3, but the older kids I'm super awkward around. I'm already an awkward and shy person, and then when talking to kids I don't have as much of a "script" to follow to ease my anxiety like I do with other people my age. This was helpful!
I am soo bad with kids. I bet if I told a kid:show me how fast you can run with those shoes, there would be an acident!
Believe me, even when they're moving slowly there are accidents! :)
Oftentimes, if one struggles with children, it's because they have yet to reconcile with their inner child. Treat kids like human beings. See the world from their perspective, and be gentle and explain things carefully.
Learning how to treat children correctly and gently is crucial for adulthood. Both in family scenarios and in public, an understanding and respectful attitude with children is crucial.
Lmaooo
Show me how fast can you get into the van
JK
I appreciate the advice. I'm someone who literally just doesn't know how to interact with young children - I try to avoid interacting with kids, because I just feel completely lost and I feel put on the spot when others introduce me to their kid(s) or the kid(s) want me to play with them.
I'm not sure how I ended up like this, but I have a lot of social anxiety and issues communicating with people in general, so maybe that plays some role in the challenges I face with kids?
Anyway, my older brother (20 years older than myself) is amazing with kids and always has been. I'm not sure how I ended so utterly lost. 😩
At work, I needed to get the attention of a 4-year-old girl that was running around in the store, and all I could think of to say to her was, "ma'am, um ma'am, excuse me ma'am." XD Which is a bit strange, but I felt too weird about calling her "sweetie" or something cutsie like that, cause it felt creepy and I also would not call her by that if she was an adult. Was there anything less dumb to call her?
old comment but 'dear' seems okay!
miss?
omg the same way
LOL I DIED IN THIS COMMENT! 😂
when talking to any human I kinda just drop the "sir" or "ma'am" or "miss" and say "excuse me?" or "hey" or "hi" or something like that
i'm so bad with kids i just kinda stare at them until they leave me alone
Same. I had a stranger's kid come up to my table at dinner and acted like he was gonna confess or something, his parents at the back smiling and pushing him, I just stared and ate my food while he just STOOD THERE. That was horrible. I'm that bad with kids :'))
@@catpaws1913just say hey what's up buddy
@@catpaws1913Same! But now I have a job which requires me to work with them, so maybe now i should start to learn about how to interact with them 😂
@@shushspiritHow's it going? I might be starting a job around kids soon too
This is why I've stayed in my severely underpaid job for so long. Yesterday I built a rocketship for dinosaurs, played Mario Kart, and had a discussion about why different balls are used for different games.
Working as a Play Specialist means I get to just hang out and be silly all day long.
I’m a guy with a degree in Early Childhood and a retired teacher of gifted. The best way to have a conversation with a tot is not to overwhelm them with attention at first. A few fun faces and smiles will draw them to you after the huge extended family has worn them out. My best tip to is use questions sparingly and avoid yes/no questions.
I don't know why I was expecting something cliche and outdated, but those were really good tips.
Im here for my 3 year old neighbour who wants to be my best friend 😁 shes so cute ❣ i just cant act natural around children 😂
update, it’s been 2 years 😂
my little neighbour is now 5, and i did my work experience in my primary school, and got to visit her class for a day! i am a lot less awkward now, and help out at brownies too. i just go along with what they say most of the time, but if they are shy like i was i still struggle to come up with things to say to them sometimes 🥴
How do you start a talk with her please reply
@@zkai6519 she usually just blabbers on and i reply but i’m still really awkward 😩😩
@@lilylilylilylol should I catch his cheek and run of I don't know how to talk wt him 😂
@@zkai6519 as long as you’re not kidnapping him, just act interested in whatever he says ✋🏻😭 i still can’t talk to kids and i’m volunteering at a nursery for work experience HELP
@@lilylilylilylol O kay
This is a life saver
love this. My own boss tries to point out how I talk on an adult level to certain children at my work, I'd love a video on how to talk to children who seem to be more frustrating or create that overstimulation for you, if they aren't comfortable with you but you are the only teacher at the moment. I've been trying to do better about getting down with them. I find I prefer working with toddlers or kindergarten or pre-k.
These were some great tips! I only see my young niece and nephew once or twice a year since they live far away, so I'm always looking for ways to interact with them better.
Thanks, Sarah- glad I could help!
Sarah Smith One thing that can help, before they come next time? Stop by your local library. Ask if there are some books with games or crafts, or activities appropriate for their ages. Usually they'll have a parenting section with lots of books with cool ideas. If they're younger- like 6 or younger? Read to them, or if they can read have them read some "I can read" chapter" books to you. Have a librarian find you something funny, silly- Captain Underpants or "Waldo the Farting Dog", "I love you Stinky face"...or something like that where you can laugh together.
Kids have lots in common with adults. Talk about food, animals, superheroes, princeses. Make use of the timeless cartoons such as Spiderman, Scooby Doo, or the family features like Trolls, Inside out (what ever is in at the time {Frozen may be a touch too old by now but you can give it a shot}) As an adition to never talking down to children, you may want to lower your status in order to become true friends. Goofing around and doing slapstick such as " let me show you how I do a balerina piruette" folowed by something ridiculus which includes falling on your bum is great. To lower my status I like to tell 4 year olds and up "You're way older than me. I'm just 2, and still wear dipers." Now if you have to retain authority you should be careful not to take your status too low. This is important mostly if you're dealing with kids who have too much energy. Sometime kids like that will be naughty for fun. In that case the joke may turn on you if you try too stop them so don't. Instead join them in they're fun so you can turn it less dangerous. Like a bunch of nine year olds wanted to atack me with basket balls on a play ground the other day. I said I won't play along that way and showed them the little kids ball pit. "You can shower me with plastic balls all you like." I said, simultaniously throwing balls at them. Let them have they're fun and once 2 or 3 get bored, you can say you're bored too and be done.
Too long to read
@@danielengelo8419 TLDR kids like it when you fall on your butt and talk about sandwhiches. 😋
@@Hxarh yeah,thank you very much
@@Hxarh where you from?
@@danielengelo8419 Central Europe. Why do you ask? Do you want to serve me better targeted ads?
I've problem to talk with children. Im so uncomfortable
If their parents are there, take your cues from them. And when in doubt, ask. My nephew is 2 1/2. He's seeing someone to help him focus and expand his attention span, so it's important that you work with that plan. If he's all over the place it can help him if you stay consistent and keep him engaged with a single activity. But other kids without attention issues might need different attention.
Too true: "When in doubt, ask." Good advice for kids, and life in general. Thanks!
Simple ice breaker I used to do is the good old, "Hello! How do you do fellow kids?"
Works everytime. ;p
You're funny for a woman.
Yay Chelsea! 💜 This was delightful. I haven't worked in childcare in five years, but watching this reminds me how much I miss being around little ones. I especially love being able to goof off with them. Making a silly face? No big deal - just playing with some cute kids. 😊
Just clicked a random video and I really didn’t expect to see Hank green 😂
I appreciate this and have learned things from this video, but I feel it was being approached by the question, "How do I interact with children to get them to like me" as opposed to "How do I interact with children to inform them of what I am trying to convey". Examples of ideas I'm trying to convey are, "please stop climbing me", "please stop crying/screaming", "please stop kicking me; kicking isn't nice", "please, just stop" and the all-purpose W.C. Fields classic, "go away kid, ya bother me".
The likelihood of small children listening to you is inversely proportional to the level of annoyance it induces in the adults around them.
Rob Spiessff b bhh
Sir, with due respect, to treat a child humanely, you need to get them to like you. You tell a kid something harshly and sharply? You got your point across, but in the process you just emotionally abused a child.
Treat kids like adults. You wouldn't speak to an adult with such blunt and words, or try to ignore or shut them out when they are clearly trying to interact with you, would you? Then do the same with children. Children deserve just as much respect as you do, regardless of what their petty habits are.
@sander heutink I think you'll find the equation is far less equal than that. Children are human beings as well, I will have you know. If they don't listen to something, they are probably doing it for the same reasons an adult would; it threatens something close to the heart, it damages their confidence, and so forth. To demand something of a child without a proper explanation is cruelty, and to become annoyed or angry with a child for simply responding in a human manner is blaming the victim.
@@Healermain15Just like with adults haha
never ever thought I would be watching this as a 14 year old. I'm constantly around little kids, but my anxiety makes it so awkward for me to communicate with their energetic needs and I just never know how to talk to them. especially depending on the age range. now even at age 14, I'm looking up stuff like "how to talk to little kids" "how to get along with little kids" or "how do you make conversations with little kids?"
You probably had life experiences that made you less confident, it's the opposite for him. He interacted more regularly with his peers and naturally grew to feel amazing around others while you're alway anxious about what others might think about you. But this anxiety only makes people actually feel negatively about you which reinforces this vicious cycle. It's a pretty hard situation but not the end of the world. Learn to be more confident and less anxious with others in general, maybe in specifically safe environments. Try overall talking to people more and less on your phone. And it really is very worth it because it's simply so much fun. I really love it so much talking to others and especially with children, I feel like those who can't are missing out so much and are experiencing so much less happiness.
I honestly didn't know that other people have this same problem of not knowing how to talk to children. I thought it just came natural to other people. Good tips.
You talked about not touching a baby uninvited or respecting kids' personal space, but I have the exact opposite problem. People want me to hold their baby and I am NOT comfortable with that, what do I do? And kids always want to touch me and hug me and I am also not comfortable with that but I don't know how to tell them to stop without sounding mean.
Yeah! I am more or less afraid of babies, I think they are gonna fall on the floor and die or something. So when people force me to hold their little terror, I sit on the floor and tell them why. If not on the floor then at least sit down and make sure it can't talk. That amuses people... 😜
Jade Aria Telling an adult to stop and telling a child to stop are the same. Use firm language, be consistent, and remove yourself from the situation if necessary. Like if a small child (who doesn't know any better) grabs my boob or something, I've said "I don't like that, please stop." And I've moved their hand away. If they keep going (sometimes they think it's a game or don't understand) I frown or scowl so they know I'm not happy and repeat myself. Or if they hug you (because they hug everyone) you could say "No hugs please, thank you!" Some adults don't like hugs, that's probably what they'd say to another adult.
From me experience the baby holding situation is something you often just have to tolerate and play along. If you have a really,I mean really good connection to one of the parents then you can just tell him/her, but I that is not the case your only chance is hinting that you are unconfortable around kids in a random conversation not directly connected to the situation, because that could result in hurt feelings.
great tips. my son is 13 months and can't say many words but can follow directions better than my 3 year old. and i have had to learn to stop telling my daughter that shes cute because now she calls everything and everyone cute. so I have started complimenting her more on her kindness, humor and intelligence.
Calling everyone cute is actually a good thing tho!
This is such a helpful video! I'm working on becoming a youth librarian, and honestly, the ability to interact with kids always scares me (even though I guess I do alright), so I'm always on the lookout for new tips! You've got a new subscriber, Chelsea!
Librarians are awesome, and becoming a youth librarian...that's double-awesome. :) I'm always on the lookout for great children's books- when I need something new to read with my kiddos, may I ask you?
Thanks for subscribing, and good luck in your studies!!
It'd be awesome if you could share role plays or example conversations a nanny who's new to the US could use to start a conversation with a child in the US (maybe between the ages of 6-13). The setting is mostly for tutoring or teaching children in small groups. Thank you!
This is such good advice as another person who works with kids.
Kids are very open and sociable by nature, unless they are timid. You just have to relax and answer them in very simple but direct dialog.
I realized I didn't know how to interact with babies and really little kids until one of my best friends had baby and once he turned 1 and was walking around like a real little human, I was like 'wait, how am I supposed to talk to him?' His parents were like we just talk to him like another adult, which was good because that was my default guess. I still was surprised when I asked if he wanted help opening a granola bar and without looking up he said "no, I've got it." Kids really are smarter and more capable than we're lead to believe.
One of the most useful HTA video I've watched. Thank you!!
Really refreshing video with wonderful advice that couldn't have come at a better time! I was just admitting my worries with my ld partner at how I'm no good with people around 16 and under (don't know what to do/say with them) and the prospect of meeting her close family - most of whom have kids that are below that age and three of whom she sees/looks after on a daily basis - was quite terrifying. I'll try and remember these tips when I go!
I NEEDED THAT. really thankful. love from canada.
Thank you!! Talking to kids is one of my biggest fears!
Super amazing helpful advice Chelsea!! This reminds me how much I appreciate being spoken to as an adult by my parents when I was little. I honestly think that helped me to have much more advanced language skills than my peers early on in school.
I was parentified as a kid, and I'm SO scared of doing the same to a kid, so maybe I tend to talk more "easily", I hope that I don't talk down to them, but I just want them to feel like they are safe and can be just kids.
Hank here is such a surprise to me.. I have watched a couple of biology tutorial videos on crash course and I never thought I would see him in such vids.. Cool☺️
Thank you for this video. It helped me a lot with my nervous feelings about meeting my siblings foster children. I have always been pretty good with kids and this video reinforced for me that I already know and do the basics right while offering some more nuanced perspective.
Great point about commenting on the appearance of girls, most people don't realize the effect those little comments have.
Bold to assume I knew how to speak to children when I was one...
Chelsea looks so comfortable in her skin, I feel like you really need to be confident interact well with kids (which I'm not😭)
I’m taking care of a 2 year old little boy! Thank you so much for you advice !
thank youuu I’ll be using these
This is really helpful! I just got a job as a side dance instructor, and that includes children's classes, which is very new to me 😅
I'm one of those adults who relates too much to preteens and teenagers such that I have accidentally made comments about when all your friends are getting married to them and they're like ... I'm 12. But when we're talking about common interests (and when teenagers now watch Drag Race) it just feels like talking to friends. Overall, I thought working at a children's theatre (and staying appropriate) would be harder, though.
Im not a teacher or an adult but i lovee kids and i really wanna encourage them and help them live the life i havent lived. But there is alot of bullies in our school and they look kinda afraid when i just stand next to them and think wether i should speak up or not so thank you omg
Me before I watched the video: WHERE WAS THIS VIDEO THIS PAST WEEKEND WHEN I HAD TO INTERACT WITH A LOT OF KIDS AT WORK?!?!
Me after I watched the video: Oh, I did most of these things she suggested, so I actually did ok!! :D
I adore this Chelsea adult. Now I shall subscriber to her. Thank you 'How to Adult.'
Great episode! I'm around kids a lot in my work, so this is very helpful.
I’m just trying to prepare for work experience in a primary (elementary) school WHY IS MY FAVOURITE GUY + CHEMISTRY TEACHER HANK GREEN HERE??
Indeed, I have learned a lot from her, thanks 👍
Thankyou very much for the advice, it was awesome. btw, could you share how to speaking/interact with 16-17 years old children?
Very interesting and helpful.
1.Children are humans just like you.
2.When going to someone's house,follow the etiquettes given in the video.
3.Speak to them at eye level
4. Don't only comment on appearance.
5. Keep a sense of humour.
This is very helpful. Thank you!
Sharing this!!!
The lack of catchphrase is always going to make me smile. :)
Me too. :)
Thank you so much for this video! Soooo helpful.
it was perfect .. thank you
Thanks so much for this video! I‘m having my Au Pair interview with a lovely host family for the second time tomorrow and I‘m going to skype with their kids. They are two years old and I felt so helpless because I didn‘t know how to talk to them for the first time. Especially when it‘s over Skype. I think with this video I‘m feeling prepared! 👏🏻
Thank you
As someone who wants to work with children and make content for children I find this video very helpful
Thank you soo much! I'm gonna see my younger cousin (5) again after a year and my baby cousin who I've never met. I'm really exited and I'm only sixteen so you'd think I know how to talkbto kids but I'm super self concious so this really helped me a lot.
I have to babysit a four year old this week and I’m shitting myself lmao I’m so awkward in general and kids are even scarier because they’re unpredictable and just straight up say what they think
Thank you for ur advice mam
I have gained a lot in this video!I find it hard to communicate with children sometimes.
That was really helpful
this is great! super helpful tips!
Thanks for sharing, this has given me ideas :)
She is amaizing!
So hilarious!!!! Currently binge watching the "how to adult" series. So practical and also so funny. I can't stop laughing. Thanks for all the great advice!
God bless you👌
Absolutely loved it! Thanks for the advice. Totally subbing. :)
Has anyone noticed that either Hank or Rachel are hanging in the Hang in There poster in the background and when they're both in the episode no one is in the poster?
Tip #4!!! Keepin' it real Chelsea!
my girlfriend and i are gonna teach preschoolers a terracotta pot painting class tomorrow 🎨 coming here to learn more on how to interact with them properly, thank you 💪
This channel is so useful
I feel like maybe this is a Canadian thing -- but practically every one I've ever known takes off their shoes inside the house, babies or no babies... How's that weird at all ?
There is nothing wrong with telling a girl that she is beautiful.
I rather she hears that from close family and friends than strangers.
As someone who has a strong opinion on this topic, I was afraid this video would encourage many of the things I despise about the ways adults frequently treat children, but I was pleasantly surprised to find just the opposite. Children are people to, and there is no benefit to talking down to them or underestimating their intelligence. To do so only serves to feed our own egos. They have a right to respect and consideration, just like anyone else.
"Cute" is not a compliment. To tell a child they are cute is demeaning, and trivializes their efforts.
Yeah, people suck!
How do you talk or connect with teenagers? I feel like they automatically judge me and pick up on the fact that I am awkward and lived in a tower my whole life lol.
I love this videoo
With "Go with they are." Yes ask them about school (they may or may not be interested in talking about that) ask them about a toy you see in the area, are they wearing a graphic t-shirt, or shoes with a design? Ask them about that. Walk through a toy section and look at the ones based on TV or movies for pop culture references. Also hi-fives? Yes, I work in retail and I have gottwn kids out from behind their parents and smiling by aaking for a hi-five or fist bump.
i talk to childen like i talk to my parents cat, which is basicly all of these tips in the video :p
I'd love to be able to goof off with kids, since you just don't get to do that with many adults. But the fear of looking weird in front of other adults is too much for me to overcome. I even feel awkward holding kids or crouching down to say hi if there's other adults watching. I've considered working around kids since it seems like so much fun, so I'd love some help overcoming my fear of looking nuts.
💜
I’m clueless on how to interact with children
watching this before going to an ngo. Any tips fellas?
Me and my friend is starting to work a week in a kindergarten in a couple weeks! We are both 14 years old and need to know how to interact with 1-3 year olds :)
This lady knows what she is talking about,
Nice Mam
Does Chelsea has youtube channel?
I remember my auntie would fat shame me
In hindsight that was baby, adolescent fat and helped me grow tall
My dream job is working at Disney and I dislike small children. But I hope that changes in the next 2 years before I apply to work there. 😳😳
I like ur comments!! Speaking slower would b great!!! Speedy comments is hard to take it in🤗🤗🤗