The exercised involved an interview with 2 children, one an elementary aged child (John, 6 years old) while the other was an adolescent (James, 16 years). The interview revolved around an assessment of their communication styles, perceptions and relationships issues, and experiences of each child. The focus is going to be in comparing and contrasting the experiences of the two children in addition to the description of any unique attributes established from the interview. While almost similar questions were asked for the two children, one underlying attribute is the fact that only the answers expected would different mainly because experiences for the two children differ.
Interview with John
The interview with John was conducted in an environment that was deemed comfortable and enjoyable. The first question asked for John was about who his best friend was. Instead of providing an immediate answer, he went deep in thought for a moment before naming two of his classmates they play together. The second question involved asking him what he wishes for and without the thing, he replied new bike since he was spoilt by his elder brother. The next question his favorite place he desires to visit, to he replied without much thought that he would like to visit the zoo. I asked him about what he would like to do when he grew up and said a policeman as he considers them important since they catch thieves. Further, I asked him of the age he looks forward to and he responded 15 since he would be big enough to help the mother handle challenging tasks at home and also protect his younger brother from bullies.
I additionally asked John of the favorite thing he does with his father. The mention of his father made his crunch his palm and said in a low voice that he only takes the newspaper to his father. On asking him whether they play with his father, he said that his father is very busy and does not have time to play with him and his sister. The next question I asked him was on the favorite thing he does with his mother and the mention of the mother made him glow. He said that he assists his mother with everything, from cooking to cleaning the house. I further asked him of the one thing he would love to learn to do and he answered to fight as he would love to protect his mother and sister from thieves and his father occasionally when he comes home drunk. Asking James on whether he believes he is going to get married only made his shy off and refuses to answer the questions, only nodding in acceptance that he has a girlfriend.
Interview with John
The interview with James was a bit different mainly because of the responses he provided which based on what John had provided was a bit refined. I ensured I provided the same questions as a way of ensuring that I would compare the two children effectively. The first question was on who his best friend his and without hesitation, he named his friend Tim whom he said has been by his side even during the most difficult times and that he was sure he could rely on him. The second question was about what he wished for and in this case, he went into deep thoughts, chuckling as he said that he had a long list. However, after some time he responded that he wished for good health since he has seen how sick people suffered emotionally, physically and financially. On the question of the one place that he desires to visit, he answered England to watch his favorite team play without much thinking. The other question I asked on what he wants to do when grew up, and his response was immediate and precise. He said that has always desired to join his brother who is in the military and carry on the extensive family tradition of sons joining the military although his focus was on the navy. On asking of the ages he looks forward to, the response was 18 where he can finally enlist in the military and pursue his aspirations.
I also asked James of the favorite thing he does with his father and without thinking he answered that his father likes keeping it to himself and other than talking about his days in the army, he does not like associating with others. He, however, seemed to lighten up the moment I mentioned his mother as he said that she has been his confidant from the tender age and that he was sure that among his siblings, he was her favorite. I also asked him what the one thing he wishes to learn is and again as one who has a ready answer just answered that he would like to learn how to fly an airplane. This he said would be useful in meeting his dreams of traveling across the world and visiting the famous sites. On the question of whether he thinks he is going to get married, John indicated that he already had a girlfriend whom he believes he will be marrying.
Similarities
Several issues were found to be common in both interviews. Some of these issues include the fact that on the issue of the impressions of the communication styles exhibited by the two children, it is evident that both children seem open and free communicating about issues surrounding their lives. It is however that just as it is expected, James is more refined in his expression that John which can be attributed to the fact that he is older and thus more experienced. Both children were confident in the answers they provided, especially since none of them seemed to struggle with the responses. It additionally became clear that the two children had issues with their fathers and that the mothers were their favorite parents but had excellent relationships with their mothers.
Reflection
The assessment of the responses provided by these children presented some unique attributes about child psychology especially on the manner in which they rationalize things in their lives. An additional issue that I found to be surprising is the fact that the environment the interview was instrumental as each wanted a place they were sure they would be alone and had some semblance of safety. Further, it was evident that both children were more free and excited when talking about general issues than on personal subjects. One of explanation that can be presented based on these responses is the fact that while age has an impact on how a child thinks, they tend to have a general idea of what is valuable or not in their lives.
