They say kids should be seen, not heard...so at what age should children be heard?

Question

at family gatherings we always tell kids to be quiet and adults dont pay attention to what they have to say as if they are not part of conversations. at what age should we start listening to them and ask for their opinions?

Answer 1

There's a big difference between what "should be" and what "actually is".

Children will be heard no matter how adults try their damned best to shut them up.

And if you're the parent,  it is best to hear what they have to say.   As early as possible,  try to treat them as adults.

Answer 2

i know that the sentence that you wrote there is a popular proverb and it pertains to the parents saying that if you're a responsible parent you should always know where your children are and should not just hear them from afar but you should always see them near you..

Answer 3

when we are on the same brain wavelengths with them. there is a proper time to listen to kids...how would feel if you are talking with a relative and a child butt in to ask out of this world question. Or as you converse your child keept on butting in with opinions not in line with the topics. There are adult conversations and there are conversations meant for both adult and child. It actually depends on the situation.

Answer 4

62

Answer 5

Binibini always gives a good answer.  I agree with everything she said.

Answer 6

16

Answer 7

who knows but maybe start listening to kids right away i mean if you listen to them more now maybe you'll be in for less surprises when they are older plus even six year olds have opinions maybe not well developed but still.  besides sparing a moment at a family gathering to listen might end better than having the kid sit there saying "Mom? mom? mom?! mom! HELLO LISTEN TO ME!!!!" lol I know that always annoys my mom

Answer 8

I think children should to taught to be polite and not be disruptive at adult gathering,however they should be free to ask questions of a favorite uncle or family friend at an opportune time,parents should always be open to their children's questions and concerns

Answer 9

what a senseless question..

Answer 10

I believe it's wrong for older people like my self who don't take the time to listen and learn. I find it's how far the child is along it her or his development.

I find teens  have a great sense of knowledge just because the world is so open to them now. I listen to teens just to see how they feel today compared to how I felt abut things when I was there age.

I lived for a number of years in the north in canada and learned what flowers and berry's to eat from chrildren as young as 7 to ten years of age. And from teen's who thought me how to skin a animal, set rabbit traps, and also teach me some of there lores ot their culture.

I find talking to the young I learn things like what they think the world is like or going to be like. You learn about their troubles and things they like to do.

Perfect example just what I've learned to do with the computor  I was taught to do by much younger people than myself and if I did not get their help and learn some on their knowledge I would not be typing this right now.

Speak your mind just don't do it out of turn. We have come a long way but one thing man has not come to know or accept is our chrildren are as smart or smarter in somethings that we may not be. But the communication has to go both ways. Someday take one or both of your parents aside and explain to them your hurts your happiness and what you feel inside. But forgive them if they don't come across you must remember they grew as I did in an other time.

But what you can do is change that for your chrildren and grandchrildren. Just don't talk at them talk with them.

good luck to the future.

Answer 11

This kind of thinking reflects adults' ignorance of children's evolving capacities as human beings, and a complete disregard for children's right to participation.

Children are human beings, and just like any other adult they have the right to express themselves at whatever age, and to be listened to by the people around them. If we, adults, are expected to listen to our fellow adults, why should it be any different for children? The reason why many parents do not have a good relationship with their children is their failure to listen to them (an essential part of the communication process).

Children have opinions, ideas, concerns - these are things that parents and other adults should listen to and consider especially when they are making decisions that affect the lives of these children. Of course, the kind of opinion, ideas and concerns of children vary depending on their age and their particular contexts. Thus, some knowledge of child development and the particular contexts of children would help in understanding children's capacities.

Answer 12

As soon as they're able to start paying all their own bills they should have a say in how things work.

Answer 13

Yes I do believe in that saying. But you don't take that expression to the extreme.

Children need to keep their mouths and their hands to themselves when they are not at their home. Children should not be disruptive and unruly when you are in the public.

When children is with their parents like in the church, store, restaurant they cannot be running around, screaming and acting like IDIOTS!! Because kids who are unruly and loud and obnoxious are fault of their parents and are usually spoiled brat and lack of disciplines.

Like when I was in my Optometrist today this one patient is with her daughter and granddaughter and the child is just so d**n loud that it was disrupting other patient in the room she was singing loud, running around the office and touching all the equipments, talking back to her mom and grandma loud and both adults are just laughing at her, I think they’re amused and thinks that the child was cute when in fact the mom and the grandma look like Idiots just proud that the child was loud.

There is a big difference with a bright well disciplined child and unruly child.

No parents should ask for their children’s opinions, you can only give them choices As long as they’re children and mom and dad is paying the bills they don’t have a say.

Answer 14

some kids are smart and adult dont think they kno wat they're talking about but thats not true they are humans too with feelings and thoughts

Answer 15

whoever says that phrase is an idiot. what happens if you don't pay attention to your child is they will start to act out real bad so they'll get negative attention because it's still considered attention. you should always listen to your child at any and every age