BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Faking It

I try not to fake it with kids... usually they figure it out anyways. And I definitely try NOT to talk to them in a fake voice or in "kid talk". I speak to kids (even toddlers) the same way I would speak to an adult. I know that when I was a child I appreciated it when adults spoke to me normally.
After practicing for many years, I don't really get the urge to do the "And what's YOUR name, how old are you sweetie?" routine any more.

I try to find an element of what the individual's talking about that genuinely interests me and draw it out. This works better with children who have more language skills and adults who have, er, intellectual skills. When I do feel like I have to fake, I try not to feign too much interest.

It's easier with children.... They really do have a voice of wonder, enthusiasm and real amazement...and it's so much easier to try to see the delight through their eyes - to realise that for them, it really IS a fantastic find....that innocence and curiosity is all too soon quashed, dismissed and put aside.... it's such a pity....

I remember once seeing a little girl splashing delightedly in puddles (we hadn't had rain for sooooo long!) and her mother, exhasperated, asked her why on earth she had done it.... I interjected saying, "The question is not WHY they do it, but why don't we?" In response, the mother too,jumped in the puddle... The look of joyful incredulity on her little girl's face was a picture to be treasured.....

Maybe we need to stop being so uptight and 'adult' and let the 'kid within' have the reins for a while.....

Tbunny, I would MUCH rather hear you talk about your bunnies than listen to someone talking about their kid's latest poop! LOL! I have another childfree friend in WA who is into rabbit rescue. I admire anyone who is involved in any kind of animal rescue, it is very important work!

Cindy, parent of three rescued dogs

Hmmm..... I don't bother people at work with pictures of my kids or what they are up to.
I might occassionally mention what is happening when we chat, but I'm talking about *me* and what I do, not what the kids are doing..
You guys must work with some weirdos if they are foisting stuff like this one you <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Here I go again... [plaster smile on face, act happy]
DH's cousin just sent pics of her 6-wk ultrasound. Once again, I know they are excited, and I know I'll say the "right" things to her, but why is it necessary to send me photos of your internal organs? I had my gall bladder out over the summer - maybe I should have sent the ultrasound pics of it to everyone?