Chapter Seven: Kids Move, Make Noise, And Are Curious

It is easier to get along with younger children when you remember that their primary goal is to grow to adulthood. To do that they move, they make noise, and they are curious. Whenever you have the opportunity to observe young children you will notice most of them are doing all or a combination of these three activities. Even as they reach maturity they will continue these three activities. To help them achieve their goal help them channel these activities. Remember your childhood. Didn’t you move, make noise and get into all sorts of predicaments? As we grew and learned about the consequences of our actions we learned to control our actions.

As children grow and increase in size an interesting phenomenon occurs, energy is released. There is some rule/law in physics that supports this contention. Since that is true, then it is unreasonable to expect them to be still most of the time. At the same time they are exploring their environments. Their primary mission is to learn about that environment so they can survive. This is a noisy proposition most of the time.

In my work as a real estate licensee I have had the pleasure of helping families sell their homes. In most instances mom and dad have told the children that the family is going to move, and that is about all the children are told. This is usually true when the children are younger than nine. When I arrived to discuss the sale of the home the children were always curious about who I was and why I was there. As usual they exhibited those three traits of children--moving, making noise, and being curious. The parents would request/demand/order that they go somewhere else so they wouldn’t be a bother. Most parents do this, because they don’t want the children to be a bother, and they don’t want to miss anything. This is an important time for them.

I discovered that if I make the children part of the team they will soon tire of what I am doing and go off to seek other adventures. I inform the parents that the children are not a bother. I will need the children to help me. When I take room measurements I do it the old fashioned way with a tape measure. I then ask the children if they want to help. They are usually eager to do so. It is helpful to look the children in the eye when asking them to be a part of the team. I get down on one knee and carefully explain what we are going to do and how they can help. I ask them to take the end of the tape measure to the wall and hold it until I tell them to drop it. If there is more than one child I assign each of them a turn. This keeps them from fighting about it. I also show them how fast the steel tape retracts into its carrying case. I warn them to be sure to drop it when I ask. This instruction is necessary so that they don’t hurt themselves or get blood on my tape measure.

I usually start with their bedrooms. This lets them know they are special. They usually stay with me for one or two rooms before their curiosity is satisfied and they want to find something more interesting to do.

This technique has been helpful for me. It is not something everyone is comfortable doing or wants to do. If you are not at ease with children then do not do this. If you have physical difficulties then don’t do it. It is a way that the children’s natural curiosity can be satisfied and their dignity protected. It is a great way to show them they are of value. Parents are more likely to realize that you are truly interested in assisting them in the sale of their property. It is another way to serve others. Besides, you have enlisted an ally. The children may ask; “When is Mr. Real Estate coming back?” This type of interaction will also have the added benefit of garnering future business. You are more likely to gain referrals for future business when you serve others is in this manner.

Knowing that children exhibit these behaviors, it is easier to accommodate them. Providing them opportunities to practice them with parental supervision.

Jack’s Nugget: Kids are people too. They deserve respect.

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