Perry's Professional Kid Interview

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Perry's Professional Kid Interview: My Hilarious (and Terrifying) Journey

So, you want to know about interviewing kids professionally? Let me tell you, it's a wild ride. I'm Perry, and I've been doing this for, well, a few years now. I've interviewed hundreds of kids, from shy little bookworms to boisterous, energetic performers. And let me tell you, every single one has taught me something new.

The Early Days: Total Disaster

My first attempt? Epic fail. I thought, "How hard can it be? They're kids, right?" Wrong. I tried to use the same techniques I used for adult interviews – formal questions, serious tone, the whole nine yards. The result? A five-year-old who started crying, a seven-year-old who told me I had "silly hair," and a ten-year-old who just stared blankly at me for ten minutes straight.

I felt like a total idiot. My confidence plummeted. I realized I needed a whole new approach.

Learning the Ropes: It's All About Connection

The biggest lesson I learned? Kids aren't tiny adults. They don't respond to stiff formality. You gotta connect with them on their level. Think playful, engaging, and relatable. That's the key to unlocking their personalities and getting genuine responses.

One successful interview sticks out. I was interviewing a young girl about her passion for horses. Instead of starting with a standard question, I began by sharing my own childhood memories of pony rides. We talked about our favorite horse breeds. Before I knew it, she was telling me stories about her horse with the same enthusiasm and confidence as a professional horse rider.

Practical Tips for Interviewing Kids:

• Start with an icebreaker: Jokes, silly questions, or something related to their interests. Think, "What's your favorite cartoon character?" or "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"
• Keep it short and sweet: Kids have short attention spans. Aim for shorter interviews (15-20 minutes max) depending on the child's age.
• Use simple language: Avoid jargon and complicated words. Keep your questions clear and concise.
• Be patient and understanding: Some kids will be more talkative than others. That's okay! Let them set the pace.
• Make it fun: Incorporate games or activities if appropriate. A relaxed atmosphere leads to better responses.
• Always get permission: Make sure you have parental consent before conducting any interview. This is very important! This helps ensure you're following all ethical and legal guidelines.
• Consider the environment: Choose a setting that's comfortable and familiar for the child. It’s also important to have some backup plans.

Beyond the Interview: Ethical Considerations

Remember, kids are particularly vulnerable. Protecting their privacy and well-being is paramount. Always obtain parental consent, never pressure them to answer questions they don't want to, and never share any identifying information without permission.

Turning Points: Success and Growth

Over the years, I've learned to adapt my style. I’ve interviewed children who are exceptionally bright, children from diverse backgrounds, even children who have unique challenges. My approach has evolved, but the core remains the same: to connect with them, listen to their perspectives, and present their experiences respectfully. I even got featured in a parenting magazine which was amazing!

My journey interviewing kids hasn't been without its stumbling blocks, but each hurdle overcome has made me a better interviewer.

Final Thoughts: Empathy, Patience, and a Whole Lot of Fun!

Interviewing children professionally requires a unique blend of skills—empathy, patience, creativity, and a healthy dose of fun. It's challenging, yes, but the rewards are immense. To see a child's eyes light up as they share their stories, or to capture their unique perspectives, is incredibly rewarding. So, grab your microphone (or your phone!), and dive in. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover. And if you mess up? Don't worry, we all do. Learn from it and try again!