Be Loved by Little Kids

Things in life are so much easier when people like you, especially little kids. Getting kids to like you is more important than it seems. It makes babysitting a lot easier, and parents trust people whom their children like too.

Steps

Basic Courtesy

  1. Remember the kid's name. They'll think you are the coolest person in the world, or something close. If the kid has a nickname, be sure to use it, as the kid will probably prefer it over his or her given name.
  2. Focus on the kids first. Start a conversation by asking about them. Kids will often be excited to tell you about their talents/hobbies.

Spending Time Together

  1. Pay attention to the kids. Show them that you love them and enjoy spending time with them. Many times kids are starved for attention and love, so sharing a little around will go a long way.
  2. Play/hang out with the kids. However, don't invite them to your house unless you are very good friends with the parents; most people will find this questionable.

Doing Things That Kids Adore

  1. Make the kids laugh. This will get them to trust and let you into their heads. However, don't go by age, gender, etc. to try to determine what they will find funny. Everyone has a different sense of humor- get to know them a little first and you should be able to determine what will make them laugh.
  2. Find common ground. Find something you are both into. For example, if you both like magic, teach them a trick. If you both like ball games, get out and play some. If you both like cookies, bake some together.
  3. Teach kids to do things. Little kids respect you when you teach them how to do something. They love it when you take time to play with or teach them something, whether it's a sport, art, computers, cooking, and so forth. Consider the skills you have and ask the kids what they'd like to learn from you.
  4. Don't think that you're beneath anything. When they ask you do something, give it a go, even if you'd never be seen dead doing it around your mates. Show the kids you're cool enough to blow bubbles with them, just because they asked you to.
  5. Compliment the kids. While you do sidewalk chalk with the kids, tell them how awesome theirs look. They'll be stoked that you're interested.
  6. Invent games. Make up completely new games, or change the rules of existing games. However, if you aren't creative enough to come up with games to play, search for new ones online.
  7. Ask the kids questions. Ask them questions about anything, such as: favorite color, what they had for dinner last night, what they want to do when they grow up, where their favorite trees are, etc. Listen to their answers and really pay attention. Show them you value their opinion. Look them in the eye. Sometimes, you get some funny answers, so keep your ears peeled.

Tips

  • Be creative. Teach them a game, skill, etc.
  • Remember- kids are people, too. If you treat them as such, their respect will increase accordingly.
  • Try not to be a bad role model for the children. Don't do anything around the kids that you wouldn't want them to do, or that their parents wouldn't want them to do.
  • Not that you have to be a stickler with overboard application of rules, but kids not only need to know you're still an adult, they need to feel safe too (whether it's subconscious or not). They will feel like you're the fun adult that has their back!
  • Don't do the same thing every day; that's boring.
  • Remember what is is like to be a kid their age; get down to their level and have some fun with revisiting your past.
  • Be soft spoken with kids. Don't speak loud or shout in front of them. This can sound threatening and scary. Talking in a softer voice can get them to be more of an extrovert and share out more with you.
  • Be helpful and active, their short attention spans will direct them to new activities every few minutes, so be eager to switch on a dime.

Warnings

  • Treat kids with respect and don't talk down to them. Nobody likes to feel inferior.
  • Don't ignore the kids.
  • Don't get too angry at the kids. Your fame will drop to zero.
  • Don't smother them; kids have their limits!
  • Gifts are not the best idea unless within reason or you know the kids well. Otherwise, this could creep out the parents and kid(s).

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