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> Flat statements like “that’s rude” or “that was very kind” can be very powerful. Labels without understanding is kinda pointless. My friend's 5 year old has
by bcrosby95 3y ago
> Flat statements like “that’s rude” or “that was very kind” can be very powerful.
Labels without understanding is kinda pointless. My friend's 5 year old has translated 'rude' to mean 'something I don't like'. Whenever he gets a timeout he calls his parents rude. It's actually pretty hilarious.
- smogcutter 3y agoI mean yeah, real life is more complicated than an HN post, and that comment was mostly aimed at kids around 10-14 who are going through this particularly tumultuous, socially exploratory period. (As an aside, learning & applying rules without understanding sounds very developmentally appropriate for a 5 year old). What I’m really getting at is that we don’t always point out to other adults when they’re being rude, and when we do, our goal isn’t to teach them that they’re being an ass. With kids and teens, it’s worth taking a conscious effort to reframe these kinds of interactions. Specific language choices are also very important - eg always “that’s rude” and never “you’re rude”.