Charlie was talking to one relative, who grilled him with lots of adult-style questions. Charlie couldn't really understand the conversation, and didn't say much. The conversation was kind of a disaster, so I whispered to him to say, "I love you! I miss you!" and we got off the phone.

Then he talked to another relative, who let Charlie just say random things and then responded to what he said. That worked so much better, and they had a wonderful conversation!

I didn't say anything to the first relative... I wouldn't want them to feel like I was telling them how to talk to their own family. It was definitely interesting though, how some people have a knack for/experience with talking to kids... and some people don't!

Is there anyone in your family that doesn't really know how to talk to kids? How did you manage it?