Though never having any kids of my own, I have had the experience of interacting if not actually raising those of other people, friends and family such as both my sister's kids (though Chris the eldest is 23 now and Rosie, his sister, recently turned 9). My approach has always been to treat them as though they were somewhat older then their actual age, if you see what I mean, instead of talking down to them. I feel it gives them a sense of feeling a little more grown-up and not as babyish as might otherwise be the case. Obviously, I'd never treat them in any way that wasn't age-appropriate, and I realise how unintentionally creepy that looks in plain text, but in mmy experience it seems to work. I'd hate to think it was forcing them to grow up but maybe it gives them some sense of direction? I don't know, I'm rambling now because my brain's falling asleep I think, after all it is ten to six in the morning and I haven't slept since about Monday. Anyway, I'd like to think that I'd have brought up our little Liam and Kirsty - the children we were supposed to be having - along the same lines.
At the age of five, Skagra decided emphatically that God did not exist. This revelation tends to make most people in the universe who have it react in one of two ways - with relief or with despair. Only Skagra responded to it by thinking, 'Wait a second. That means there's a situation vacant.'
