Our son will talk to anyone about anything. He is not intimidated by adults. Plum is equally engaging, but takes a while to warm up to people.
Our kid’s willingness to engage has opened many doorways for them and afforded them some very unique experiences and friendships.
When they saw a maintenance person working on a fountain at a garden, they ran up to him for a closer look at his project. It turned out that the maintenance person also tends the Koi in the rose garden. He invited our kids to feed the Koi their breakfast.
When Bluey got chatty with a man in the Domes gift shop, it turned out that he is their marketing director. He told us of some “secret” new displays in the Domes and of a brand new bike path over a train yard on the nearby property.
Our kids have good friends at the Hyvee Madison #1, the Green Owl Café, the Victory Café, Oregon NAPA Auto Parts, and more. 
These are folks that greet our kids by name and speak to them as equal participants in any conversation. They add a tremendous value to the growth of our children and we are very grateful.
Many parents hold their kids back from talking to adults, especially in settings where there might be some expectation of “knowing your place.” This reservation harkens back to the adage of children should be seen and not heard. We say break that cycle and allow your kids to deepen their relationship with their world.
[…] and biking the streets of your own neighborhood allows for many opportunities to meet people, to notice buildings, trees and businesses you might not have seen before—to just BE a part of […]