#I pretended I didn't know basic math and asked how many boxes I could get for $25 and this itty bitty kindergartner

[wintermoth]

Pssst it's Girl Scout cookie season!! Remember when you're out there getting your annual Thin Mints fix to treat the kiddos running their booths with the same respect you'd give to any adult running a booth at a market!!

Trust me, you might not remember what it's like to be a kid in their position, but they've got loads of information they're prepared to give to you. They've practiced for this! Engage with them directly and don't look to the chaperones if you don't have to! They might need prompting from time to time from their chaperones, especially the younger ones, but this is as much of a learning experience for them as it is a fundraiser.

Most kids don't get the chance to just candidly interact with adults outside a parental or instructional role in their lives, never mind complete strangers. Not only are you helping them practice their sales and business skills, you're helping them practice their conversation skills!

Even if you already know what a box costs and what cookies you're wanting, ask them questions anyway! Ask the price. Ask if there's any new cookies. Ask them what their favorites are! And better yet, if one of them points out a cookie you intended to get anyway, agree with them and ask for a box! Don't patronize them, don't talk down to them. Give them a chance to flex the skills and knowledge they're developing.