A simple “HI” and a smile back, is that so hard to do? Why does when a baby, toddler, kid say “Hi”, “Hello” or wave to an adult, and adult gets all uncomfortable and doesn’t know what to do, and decides to not respond to the child because….it’s just a child. They know not what they do….or do they?
Are we teaching kids to be un-socialable? To ignore the acts of common courtesy or the act of human interaction?
A baby/toddler is excited to share their new act of courage! Their new skill! Something they normally get a response from….what does that say to them, when you briskly walk past them, ignoring them acting as if they don’t exist or aren’t really a “person” yet.
Would that be your normal reaction if an adult walked past you and said HI? Your family member? Your boss?
Kids are absorbing and learning how to communicate during the most impressionable time in their life, up to 5 years of age. These are the times where life skills and socialization is strongly developed.
Now, I’m not saying you have to stop in your tracks, say goo-goo- gah- gah, and play a game of tickle. But, the biggest impact you can have on other children around you, is to teach them how to be human, social, and down right just nice!
Teach our kids that it’s ok to at least smile and say HI as we walk briskly past one another. Use eye contact. Help develop confident, engaging, and positive kids!