It’s one the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge use on their own kids, too.
Late last month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were expecting their first child.
And ever since then, royal fans have been eager to know just about everything they can about Meghan’s pregnancy.
The pair shared their happy news at the start of their 16-day royal tour, where fans got the first glimpse of the Duchess of Sussex’s bump; what Prince Harry wants their little one to be; as well as what month their boy or girl is likely to be born in.
But the newlyweds also accidentally revealed that they have picked up a clever parenting trick from Kate Middleton and Prince William – and it is too cute.
It’s one the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge use on their own kids, too.
Both Prince Harry and Meghan were spotted using a form of active listening when meeting with children on tour – when they knelt down, so that they were eye-to-eye when speaking with kids.
The Center for Parenting Education calls active listening “the single most important skill you can have in your parenting ‘tool belt'” – as it shows the child you are giving them your undivided attention; listening and understanding everything they are saying.
Prince William and Kate are often seen crouching down to talk to their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte (and, later on, we’d imagine they’ll do they same with Prince Louis).
According to experts, the trick is simple but effective – and can boost self-esteem in a powerful way.
Child development expert Gill Connel writes in A Moving Child Is a Learning Child:
“Active listening is one of the most important ways you can send the message, ‘You’re important to me.’ Get down on the child’s level, lean in and make eye contact.
“Hang on his every word. React with positive verbal and nonverbal cues such as nodding, smiling and hugging. And show broad emotions as he speaks so he knows what it feels like to be understood. These simple messages foster self-esteem in powerful ways while encouraging him to communicate even more.”
