[header] How to speak kindly to children [title] Sit, stoop, or kneel at their level. [step] This can show kindness in two ways: you are making it physically easier for them to speak to you and you are showing them respect by being on their level. Think about a time you have spoken to someone really tall and how hard that was. 
It's exactly the same for a child. [substeps] Being on their level also helps maintain their attention because they can see your face better.