Watch this video [1:08] to see why it might be better not to force the issue of eye contact when speaking with a kid.

“Look at me when I speak to you!”

Kids tend to turn their heads away from us while we are speaking to them. Especially if we are trying to redirect their behavior. Their automatic thought is, “I don’t want to hear this. I don’t NEED to hear this.” They feel they know everything.

But we don’t want to get caught up in trying to force these kids to make eye contact with us. Remember, our ears are on the side of our head. Even if they don’t make eye contact, they can still hear us.

So, we never want to take it personally when a kid turns his head away. Instead continue delivering the goods to them.

This isn’t easy. It’s really hard because we’re not wired that way. But it’s so important.