Four Key Dynamics of Communicating with Kids

Dynamic 1: Children understand concrete terms and language better than they understand abstract terms and language.

Children are more likely to be much more literal with language than adults, so avoid symbolism or “religious” words.

Dynamic 2: Children are at different developmental levels.

Age is a factor in a child’s ability to understand , no matter how simply worded a concept might be communicated. A child’s age will partner with such factors as education, family and social surrounds, and like experiences to influence his or her intellect and spiritual knowledge.

Dynamic 3: Children are most receptive to stories and terms they can relate to or picture.

No one, especially a child, enjoys a lecture. Kids will understand far more of what an adult attempts to explain when that adult uses a brief story. Children will also engage with what’s said at a deeper level when a leader or teacher uses words that refer to something familiar to them— creating a connection between the story and the listener.

Dynamic 4: Children may focus on, or be distracted by, a single detail in a story.

Carefully consider details you share in a story told to kids. Reexamine details to be sensitive to their impact on young listeners. Often, rewording is all that’s needed to maintain meaning without introducing distractions.