Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

I love today's posting for Calendar Books by Allen James reading for June 18th from, "The Journey: A Calendar Book". Too many times we don't realize the effect such a small act can have on those with whom we interact;

"When working with children, squat down to their level to communicate".

So much can be gained from today's reading, not only in dealing with children, but in interacting with adults as well. Sadly we don't learn this lesson until much later in life in most cases, unless one has followed an educational tract through an Early Childhood or Elementary Education program in college. I was well into my 30s and working with children in my private practice and learned through experience. Children responded better to my when I would squat down and face them eye to eye or get in the floor and become as they, literally on their level. 

Just imagine how terrifying it must be to a child when they are approached by adults; larger than life itself individuals walking toward them, looking "down" at them with nostrils flaring, hands reading "down" to them as if tentacles grabbing at them.

Meeting children, as well as adults, a eye contact sends the following messages:

I am listening to you
I care about what you are saying
You matter to me
I hear what you are telling me
You have my attention
I respect you
Nothing else is more important than this moment, this very moment

When we rear children who are allowed to be seen and heard they grow into adults who value others. It's this simple.

As well, every person wants to know their opinions, needs and feelings are going to be validated.
Adults and children alike want and need validation. Thus today's reading could translate into our adult relationships as, interact with those with whom we have a relationship by meeting them where they are.  Consider their experiences, past, beliefs.  Accept them as they are. This simple, effective method is free but the results are priceless.

Keep looking up.  : )  AJ