What should you do if you're really awkward around kids?

What should you do if you're really awkward around kids?

We've all asked kids questions like, "what grade are you in?" Or what are you learning in school?

But these are throwaway questions that most kids won't have any interest in answering. Instead, ask a question that they're uniquely positioned to answer.

For example, "what's something kids in your class are really into that you don't care about?"

This is what I call a cashier question.

Most people, especially kids, don't get asked such specific questions that also invite them to express their thoughts. Instead of being bashful, you'll see them respond with confidence.

They'll mention topics you probably know nothing at all about, so your follow-up questions can be as simple as why are they into that? Or so what's something you are interested in?

These questions let kids guide the conversation because it's entirely built on topics they know about, making them a lot more likely to stay engaged.

#talking #communication #questions #conversations #awkward