Observing Communication

The place that I chose to conduct my observation in was at a store. Needless to say, I enjoyed what I saw. I found it to be cute and funny. Let me share with you what I saw: A woman walked in the store with her four year old daughter. Women became fixated on the child because she was so cute. One woman in particular was talking to the mother about the child as if the child wasn't there. I am a firm believer that children understand more than what we give them credit for. The look on the child's face told the whole store. Her face went from smiles to frowns. She actually looked like she wanted to be a part of the conversation but she wasn't invited to join. I read an article from the resources entitled "Communicating with Babies," by B. Kovach. It states that "You may have witnessed this scene countless times. Most adults talk to other adults about the baby in front of the baby. The problem with this is that even though the baby is the focus of the conversation, he or she is being described as if she is not there." This is true. Children want to be in the conversation anwering questions that they can answer. They can't have sophisticated conversation but they know some things about themselves. I believe that this conversation could have been more effective had the child been able to participate and answer some things for herself. The child actually looked hurt. Her feelings were sincerely hurt. I have learned thi week that when it come to young children, I am not a good communicator. I am guilty of what the woman in the store did. I talk to the parents about small children without directly talking to the child. I grew up in a house where it was believed that young children are to be seen and not heard. In order for me to be a better communicator, I need to pay more attention to the child. I need to look at the child as an individual.