Every time we recieve the visit of new friends at home it seems like the general level of inteligence drops to the lowest possible rational denominator.
Most people talk to kids younger than 10 yrs of age as if they were some form of stupid cartoon that needs a condescending tone and explanation in order to understand what us "grownups" want to say. Almost like a underdeveloped primate.
At home we have always been talked to as adults. In a concise and direct manner. With the neede explanaition whnever it was needed but without being treated as brainless objects and as such we decided to treat our own children. Direct facts and explanaitions lead to more efficient levels of thought and understanding in children. Nothing gets hidden under false precepts or "you just can't understand so don't ask" attitudes. When you compare kids from the same age ranges you start noticing whose kids get "talked to" and whose get "talked out of".
Talk to your children and give them the tools to build a strong mental foundation by showing them how things get done and why they are the way they are.
Who knows? Maybe in the process they will show us a more inteligent way to solve certain situations.
