====== Mr. Roger's rules for communicating with children ======

[[https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/mr-rogers-neighborhood-talking-to-kids/562352/|From here]].

  - “State the idea you wish to express as clearly as possible, and in terms preschoolers can understand.” 
    * Example: It is dangerous to play in the street. ​​​​​​
  - “Rephrase in a positive manner,”
    *  It is good to play where it is safe.
  - “Rephrase the idea, bearing in mind that preschoolers cannot yet make subtle distinctions and need to be redirected to authorities they trust.”
    *   As in, “Ask your parents where it is safe to play.”
  - “Rephrase your idea to eliminate all elements that could be considered prescriptive, directive, or instructive.”
    *   In the example, that’d mean getting rid of “ask”: Your parents will tell you where it is safe to play.
  - “Rephrase any element that suggests certainty.” 
    *  That’d be “will”: Your parents can tell you where it is safe to play.
  - “Rephrase your idea to eliminate any element that may not apply to all children.” 
    *  Not all children know their parents, so: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play.
  - “Add a simple motivational idea that gives preschoolers a reason to follow your advice.” 
    *  Perhaps: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is good to listen to them.
  - “Rephrase your new statement, repeating the first step.” 
    *  “Good” represents a value judgment, so: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is important to try to listen to them.
  - “Rephrase your idea a final time, relating it to some phase of development a preschooler can understand.” 
    *  Maybe: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is important to try to listen to them, and listening is an important part of growing.