I want to start by saying “hello”- and also by talking about whether we should ask children to say hello.

“Hello” is what we say when we are meeting either for the first time or after a period when we’ve not seen someone for a while. It’s socially ‘normal’ and often expected. Parents often encourage children to say “hello” too, but for some children, that’s not always a good idea.

When children first arrive somewhere, they often feel anxious because it’s new to them (even if we don’t think it is) and by forcing them to speak before they are ready, we start to set up associations about speaking and anxiety. It is far better for them to warm up slowly and speak when they are ready.

By doing this, we are teaching them to trust their own instincts, listen to their bodies and approach situations in their own time. Once they become more confident in themselves, they will be able to say hello in a variety of different situations.

It can just take time.

It is better to model saying “hello” to other people in front of them, so they can see how it is done and the responses of those around, and if they see a benefit to saying hello, then maybe they will begin to do so as well when they are ready.

So, in light of that, I will simply say “hello” and let you get to know me over time.