The first 10 seconds of a conversation or interaction with a child are critical. What happens after that will reflect on how we choose to engage and connect during that window span. If a child feels like they need to defend their actions, the entire conversation will continue in that realm. Whereas, if I child feels acknowledged, heard and safe the experience will take that path. Age does not matter, acknowledgement does. Pause, breath and then respond making the most of those first 10 seconds.