Did you know that the way you position your body when talking to a child can significantly influence how they respond to you—especially during emotionally charged or sensitive conversations? 

It’s true! Parallel interactions—where the adult and child sit or stand side-by-side rather than face-to-face—are far more effective at creating a sense of safety, reducing defensiveness, and promoting calm, regulated communication. This body positioning naturally lowers the pressure a child may feel and fosters a more collaborative dynamic, making it easier to connect and work through difficult topics.

Here’s why parallel interactions work so well:

• Reduces perceived threat: Face-to-face positioning can feel confrontational or combative, especially to a dysregulated or anxious child. Sitting side-by-side feels less intimidating and more supportive.
• Enables co-regulation: Being physically close and aligned allows adults to model calm breathing, tone, and posture, which children often mirror - whether they realize it or not.
• Supports focus: Looking at the same object or space (like a drawing, book, or even direction) rather than each other encourages joint attention without pressure. Adding in a physical activity, like walking or coloring, can help advance the focus on your conversation while further removing pressure.
• Encourages openness: Children may feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they aren’t being directly looked at, especially when discussing vulnerable, difficult, or emotional topics.