Introduction to MY Experience

Children have always been drawn to me… I do not know what it is but everywhere I go, kids come up to me or smile and wave at me. It’s so sweet, and I love it. I love children so much because, deep down, I identify with their innocence and curiosity.

Understanding the Attraction

According to body language experts, there are certain non-verbal cues that make you approachable. For me, it might be tilting my head, smiling, making eye contact, and flashing my eyebrows. These actions might communicate to children that I am not a threat and that I am available for interaction.

I recently asked a pastor about this phenomenon, and he stated, “You’re obviously not going to stuff them through the basketball hoop, and you’re not engaged by any of the other conversations, so you’re safe and available.”

The Reason Behind the Interaction

Why do 3-4-year-old kids keep coming up to me in playgrounds? Despite the opinions of some, children are very trusting and can identify who is a good person and who to stay away from. I also have random children come up to ask questions or seek help. I used to always answer them or help if I could, but a life experience near destroyed me, so now I am more cautious.

They see in me something special. Perhaps it is because I am paying attention, which most adults are not. Or maybe I have not locked my child-like heart away from the world like many people have. Or it could simply be that I look like fun. My bright colors and unruly ponytail make me appear more playful, attracting children like honey. Interestingly, my husband, with his jump boots and leather jacket, also has a strong effect on small children, who see him as a magical forest creature.

We could do worse in the world. We could attract evangelicals, at least they seem like they care.

Personal Reflection

I kind of have the same thing happen to me too. As a quiet and introverted person with a resting face that looks slightly angry, you would think that kids would find me intimidating. However, they don’t seem to. I don’t know what it is, but somehow they sense that they are safe with me. Maybe they like interacting with people who don’t put off the vibe that they are using their time or don’t care that they are happy or excited. It could be that I seem less weary and jaded than the ones they usually talk with. Who knows?

Final Thoughts

While the attraction of children to me is a sweet and endearing experience, it also highlights the importance of being cautious and mindful in our interactions in today’s society. Children’s natural trust makes them vulnerable to the impressions we give them, so we must be thoughtful and considerate of how we present ourselves.