#Writing kids

[your-absent-father]

Children in writing: my personal pet peeves

Okay, some might know that I work as an elementary school aid, done it on and off since I was 19, so I have the credits lol. Last december I even got my trade school papers for it. I preface this this way bwcause I have worked with shitton of kids, and will in a future. My background also means that I am very quick to notice when people don't interact with kids that much.

Even the savant syndrome kid is still a kid

One thing that annoys the hell out of me is when the 8 year old smart kid character acts like a 32 year old with all the emotional cababilities it entails. Yes, some kids have an higher intelligence, emotional or otherwise, but in the core of them, they are a kid. They get temper tantrums, they are in awe of new discoveries, they love to play in their own way.

For example, the class I'm in now, we have a kid I will call James. James is raised by his grandparents and it shows in everything he does. He is an old soul, always getting striaght As and almost helping the adults in conflicts. James also giggles as I race with him during recess, he sulks like a kid after not getting what he wanted and laughs really hard at fart jokes. He is 8 even if he has an emotional intelligence of an older kid.

Children are sponges, in bad and good

Speaking of James, he is a great example of children being sponges. This 8 year old, he uses terms like "gosh darn it" or "welp, it is what it is", terms I could see his farmer grandpa using. When he is stressed, he poses like a 73 year old looking at a broken tracktor. You can see his grandpa in him clearly.

I want to say it because a lot of people only write like "I am bad because my dad was bad" characters, even though it isn't that simple moat of the time, and children being sponges could be used in so many different ways, and not just bad.

Kids knowing big words doesn't always mean they are smart

This adds into the "kids are sponges" segment. Lot of kids, especially now, pick up different words, some very difficult, but they themselves don't know what they mean. Just today I had to explain what a dictator meant to a kid talking about North Korea. (That is an other thing too I like to add: kids try to explain with their own understandkng of the world what things they don't understand are)

Children's are adults in progress

Thus is a thing that peeves me the most of all, because a lot of people think children are thing entire different entity than adults. I like to explain it in videogame logic, like as a kid you are doing the first levels and progressing trough. You still the same character at the core of it, you just leveled up and got new tricks up your sleeve. Children are humans, they aren't that difficult to comprehend.

kids with disabilities have presonalities

Omg I am such a passionate person towards this, especially because I am specialized in special ed. It annoys me in no end when a special ed kid's presonality is "ehh they are disabled?". Every single special ed kid I have been with have different personalities and likes and dislikes, if they can't show it to you themselves. I don't think I have met two disabled kids (nor adults) with same personalities, even if they have exact same disability.

In the class I am in now, James's best friend is this kid named Jackie. I don't know Jackie's diagnosis but she can't walk straight, and uses multiple walking aids when her legs hurt too bad. She can't talk very well, struggling with her speak. Still, those things weren't the first thing I'd use to describe her. I'd describe her as a dramaqueen, always ready to complain about something, i'd describe her as a sporty, always running after her friends, even if she is much slower than others. I'd describe her as kindhearted, and clingy as she is always ready for a hug. Her disability is n intergal part of her but not everything.

I could complain about this all day. I have worked with kids and adults with disabilities and they have all been do different from each other (like able bodied people). Maybe another post lol.

Okay rant over.

Tldr: Chldren are humans too. Lol

[phoebepheebsphibs]

Other people: wow you really write kids accurately

Me: thanks i was one once

[the-badger-mole]

if you're still doing the fanfic asks: #20 and #21 please!

20. favorite character to write

A toss up between Zuko and Katara. Zuko's a little easier to write, but I think they're wonderfully complex in ways that didn't get explored enough in canon.

21. least favorite character to write

Children. Young children. I have a hard time writing them accurately. I'd love to have them in more stories, but despite the fact that there are a lot of kids in my family, I have a hard time with kids' voices in my stories. Sesi in Hallmarks of the Season came out alright, but I only used her a few times.

Keep the asks coming!

[suzyq31]

Hi , I have a request for you since you've written fics with harry and Hermione as parents for iris,teddy, jane and ellie, and you have read all harry Potter books so take a quote from any books and describe the characteristics the kids share with harry and Hermione

Hi anon, this is a very interesting ask. I’ve thought of it all day and still feel a bit stumped! I’ve read all the books multiple times, but very few quotes come to mind in terms of how I came up with my characterization of the children. It’s been a few years since I’ve read most of the books , and fanfic has probably been more influential on my interpretation of Harry and Hermione. Along with my own Headcanons I’ve developed over the twenty plus years I’ve been in the fandom. 

While Harry and Hermione’s traits influenced how I wrote the children in my stories, what was of even greater influence was the children in my own life. Particularly with Iris, Jane and Ellie, they share a lot of traits from two of them who I spent the most time with, and whom I love deeply. 

Funny enough I was nannying two boys at the time that I wrote Maybe Tomorrow, and originally planned for Ellie and Jane to be boys. But when I sat down to write, little girls took form instead. Although, Ellie shares a certain amount in common with my 3 year old boy H in terms of intensity 😂. Also Iris’s line ‘real life life’ is a direct quote from my other boy J. 

I also go a lot by the age of the character. Three year old's are quite different then six year old's, hence some of the behaviors you see in Jane versus Ellie. Or young Teddy versus teen Teddy. Same with Iris.

I have a degree that focuses on child development and it’s a huge part of my role at work, so there was no way that wouldn’t influence how I thought of the characters. 

Okay now getting into spoilers for specific fics.

For Iris, I wanted her to take after Harry more strongly in personality. Yet being raised with Hermione she would have developed some of her traits like a love for reading. I wanted her to be funny, strong willed, curious and kind hearted. She is heavily influenced by another child I know who was wise beyond her years, and always asking questions.

In the story ‘Iris’ she’s younger, more confident, outgoing when comfortable. I’ll also say that I’ve been reading a lot of James and Lily/Marauders fanfic. I wanted her to have a bit of his parents in her too (in all their children really). I also think Harry would have been more outgoing and confident if he’d been raised by them. I also think she has a similar dry humor like her father.

When Iris gets older, she’s in those hard growing up years where you aren’t quite as confident in yourself, and anxiety usually flares up more. Hence why she makes some of the choices she makes in Found. She can be impulsive while also is often an overthinker like her Mum, which can make for a messy combination. See any event in canon when the kids should tell an adult and don’t. 

For Teddy, I’ve written him twice now. Or well three times (He’s around 9 in It Had To Be You). His age and circumstances have always influenced how I write him. In Maybe Tomorrow, he’s been an orphan, lost his grandmother and is raised by Harry and Hermione from a young age. He’s also a big brother and he’s the oldest I’ve written him at nearly 14. This all plays a huge part in his maturity level and how he reacts to circumstances. I think he is a mix of all five of his “parents.” He’s got that mischievous streak from Tonks, compassion from Remus, humor, boldness and some mannerisms from Harry, curiosity from Hermione, kindness from Andromeda. In Found and Iris he’s raised by his dad and grandmother, has had different life experiences, and has always been an only child which influences some of his jealousy of Iris (and reminder he’s younger too!)

Now for Jane and Ellie. A quote I loved writing was this one: “What are you talking about?” he asked, his eyebrows shooting up. “They're like your clones, Hermione. Have you heard Jane explain anything, or Ellie’s laugh?”

I think both girls, while looking a lot like Hermione, are a mix of both parents and also just themselves. 

Jane, ah I have such a soft spot for her. I wanted her to feel different then Iris even though they share some of the same qualities and physical characteristics. I also think her personality is affected by the events that happened prior to H/Hr arriving in that scenario. I wanted more of her personality to match Hermione with some of her eagerness to do well. She’s also a character I wanted to connect more to Lily Potter. So I passed on some of my Headcanons about her, to Jane. 

Like all their children she has a stubborn streak, but she’s a bit more eager to please then Iris or Ellie. I think of Hermione in third year being scared of failing at school. She is probably the most sensitive of their kids, which is why the events in the fic have such a profound influence. I’ve worked with a few kiddos dealing with separation anxiety and trauma, which also influence my portrayal of her. 

This was my favorite back and forth about Jane, and highlights the core ways she’s like Harry. 

“Janie. She does look like me a bit but there’s so much of you in her. Her eyes of course, but that’s not it. I—I think it’s in how she is at her core. She sees people—really sees them. There’s a kindness to her that reminds me of you.” 

He didn’t know what to say as she paused before smiling wider. “Also her knees.”

“Her knees?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, I remember when I met you. You had such thin legs and knobby knees. You were small but with these long, graceful and skinny limbs. Jane’s built like you. Also the colour of your skin—like cream.”

“It sounds much better when you describe it. Not scrawny, pale child, with strangely long limbs.”

Ellie is just fully a three year old. Maddening, but adorable. She does what she wants, when she wants. I think a lot of kids that age do this. She is a force, like many in her family. Also, her silliness and giddiness, I see her getting from the Marauders DNA. She’s also a bit of a mirror for Hermione, who was likely also an intense kid, part of why she adores her, but also makes her the most batty (something I've had experience with myself). She is also the youngest (for now), which I think influences some of her behavior. And now my favorite quote about Ellie:

“Yes, but she’s got your smile. It pulls up at the side like yours does,” she countered. “Also rather fearless as well, and she’s quite strong willed.”

He shook his head. “That’s on you.” At her incredulous look, he relented. “Fine. Both of us.”

She fought with her smile. “Quite cheeky too. I think it’s a tie between her and Teddy for the lead on that—which is all your doing.”

Which I think is the most important thing of all, I can’t imagine any child of Harry’s not being at least the littlest bit cheeky! Also all of their children would have wild hair and be strong forces.

Alright, I’ve rambled enough. If you read through all of this nonsense, you are the best!

[fromcainwithlove]

author’s notes today: hey guys so just a warning there isn’t 100% explicit verbal consent even though they’re both really into it so remember this is FICTION, also they don’t use a condom :((( but in real life safe sex is important!!! please be safe out there everyone

a/n back in the day: kept thinking about ____ stabbing knives through both of _____’s hands to pin him in place while they fucked so here you go lol =P

[acorviart]

not to sound like a boomer, but I need some people to learn how to write emails in a semi-professional (at the very least) format so you're not cold emailing a business/potential employer/any other stranger about formal matters in the exact same way you'd DM a close friend on instagram

the formality/language can loosen up in the email chain once you've established a rapport and you match the other person if they're being less formal, but please don't have the very first email you send a stranger be written in all lowercase ultra-casual sms slang with no greeting or signature and a billion emojis

[thebatsynest]

Ask game: child ocs :D

Personality

Do they have any fears? Rational or not…

What's something that makes them happy? What's something that makes them sad

What do they do for fun!

How do they play, if they play at all?

Are they a quiet type or a true conversationalist

What are they like when it comes to trying new things? skittish, confident or something else?

Do they have any treasured possessions or toys?

Is their room clean or messy..

Do they have anything they are passionate about?

Relationships

What is their relationship with their parents like?

Do they have any siblings? are they the youngest or oldest or somewhere in between?

Do they have any role models?

Who do they feel safest with?

Do they have any friends? What are they like? Who is their best friend if they have one.

Is there anyone they dont like? why?

Do they have any pets? What are they like.

Do they find it easy or hard to connect with others?

Routines

What is their favorite meal of the day! Favorite food? Least favorite food?

Do they go to school? If not whats their alternative, if so do they enjoy it or no?

Where is their favorite place in the world to be?

When is their birthday? What is their birthday like?

How do they spend rainy days?

Whats something their family does together?

What do they do when they get bored?

What is their favorite season? Why?

What is their bedtime routine like?

[starstruckpurpledragon]

but also how verbose the kid is at any give time is totally situational & personality dependent

some kids are gonna be that way with everyone, strangers and people they already know alike. But then there are the shy kids who will talk your ear of because they know and like and trust you, but introduce them to a stranger and they're suddenly hiding behind you, peering around timidly, and using a few word answers as they can get away with. which could mean no verbal responses at all if head nods get the message across well enough

and the rate at which kids warm up to new people varies - some warm up quickly once they realize their parents or trusted adult person in this situation knows the stranger, or they'll warm up faster to fellow kids than adults, or they can tell when an adult is kid-friendly or not better than other adults can so they react badly or surprisingly well to people that might surprise their parents... etc

I do think part of the problem of writing kids is there is not only a struggle to write them talking the way actual kids their age talk, but remembering that kids have very diverse personalities which affect the way they talk and act. So not only are the kids off age-development wise, but when there are multiple kids they seem a bit flat because they're all the same personality wise

It becomes very very evident when an author has never interacted with small children before. PLEASE stop writing 4 year olds with baby voices, I promise you they do not answer in short sentences the way a baby might. They can and Will start monologing

[wishfulsketching]

I have finally finished season 2 of Arcane and can now enjoy your art without fear!!! They should be happy together 🥺

I take it "they" means zaundads because that is what I've been drawing the most BUT, lets be honest, applies to like 98% of the characters in the show.

They should've been a big happy familyyyy

[phoebepheebsphibs]

STUPENDOUS new Hide and Seek chapter as always! I adore all the little references and I absolutely love the way you write the characters

I hope you have a wonderful day, and that every response you get to your fantastic chapter brings you joy!

Thank you

[catmask]

when u go to write a mentally ill person in ur story you are presented two options. the first option is to write your mental illness realistically as you actually experience it with all the ups and downs and people who are like you will resonate with it and feel seen. except every person who reads instagram infographics on mental health that uses the phrase narcicisst for anyone who does anything that crosses them and unironically call themself a dark empath will call you scary and tell you that youre demonizing mentally ill people

the second option is to lie and write inspiration porn for those people to get hard to

[eraserbread]

nanami married you four days ago... he's so obsessed with you he forgets how to be. <3

kento's been physically unable to keep his hands off you since you took his surname. there's just something different in the way you move around him.

like this morning, you slide out of the big resort bed in absolutely nothing, dragging your feet as you head to the showers. of course you were careful not to stir your sleeping husband, but you couldn't last another second under the mugginess of the comforters. though, your langkawi honeymoon resort was full of love, just not air conditioning. kento hated sleeping with windows open, so you succumbed to the mugginess.

as soon as you turn on the shower spray and dip your head under, the door draws open so slowly you don't even notice it. you can only notice the sudden rush of cold that falls over your skin. peeking open a single eye, you smile when you see him shedding his sleep shirt and stepping into the steamy, tiled sanctuary with you.

he doesn't speak a word, but every little movement is so deliberate and kind. starting at your shoulder, he traces the expanse of your neck, breathing heavily behind you before pressing a kiss right above his touch. you crane your neck, offering him more.

"i hate to be a bother, but you are just so beautiful this morning." he whispers against your wet ear, nuzzling deeper into his back with his stringy, blonde hair dripping down his shoulders. "can you feel it? how much I need you? can I put it in - my nanami, please?"

he knows you'll say yes, but always asks. you'll always tell him to touch you whenever he needs it, but he's so respectful it's stupid. so, you nod, rubbing water out of your eyes so when you turn around, you can see him through the fog. all of his tight features, the cut of his jaw, the softness of his eyes. it all rings true and feels like home.

wrapping both arms around his shoulders, you nod. "as long as you keep treating me so well, you can have whatever you need." you remind him, leaning close to trail yours across his dripping lips.

"now, i'm not a religious man, nor did I lead a very fulfilling life. but, you, my dear..."

"what?" you're flushed, still so used to his compliments but always prisoner to his charm.

"you are my purpose."

around his back, your hands turn to fists, trying to fight the visceral body response his words never fail to give you. "god, don't look at me like that. you're perfect."

he would humor you more, but that look in your eyes makes him rather fuck you gruelingly slow against the harshness of the hot water.

so, that's what he does.

shower sex always unnerved you, but kento is so alarmingly stable on his two feet that he can sustain the weight of both of you against the slickness. it just gives him purpose for fucking you soft and slow, watching the girth of his cock split you open so delicately like you're made for him.

he makes you watch, this time, wrapping your legs around his waist as he supports you against the shower wall. you love the feeling of his thick fingers digging into the swell of your ass, and love the sound of his sweet, deep voice, recognizing all of your lewd tendencies.

"see how it gets all red when I pull out. like you're blushing on my cock, my baby - nanami."

"mm, oh i love that,"

"look at it," he demands, pressing the top of his head to yours as you let it hang between your shoulders. "no matter how many times I do this to you, I never get over just how well I fit..."

"almost like you're made for me. in fact, I know you were."

[nutmargaret]

favorite uncle

[foldingfittedsheets]

Did you know guinea pigs are born just like. Tiny adults? They’re fully cooked. They come out, eyes open, fully furred, ready to do the whole array of guinea pig activities.

I learned this as a child. I was perhaps ten when this story took place. Our female guinea pig was pregnant, but she’d gotten mites and needed a bath. She was wildly pregnant. Bulging at the seams with babies. Ready to burst at any moment because all the babies needed to stay in there long enough to be full pigs. But we wanted to avoid the babies all getting mites and needing baths. We failed, they all needed baths. Mites are a bitch.

We knew she had three babies cooking in there. How did we know? We could feel each individual bulge in her belly. My mom was overseeing the pig bath but I was pretty much just doing my own thing, scrubbing her gently, rinsing the soap carefully.

After the bath our mother pig was not in the best mood. I was carrying her back to her freshly made mite free bedding when she’d had enough.

I was acutely aware that I was holding four lives in my childish grip, and I bore her along as if she were made of precious jewels and spun glass. Balanced in my hands I could feel the bulge of each of her babies slithering wetly around under her skin.

Which is why when she hauled off and sank her teeth into the meat of my hand I didn’t flinch. I didn’t drop her. I bore her as carefully and steadily as if I weren’t now bleeding freely, and I set her gently into her pig palace.

As I drew my hands away I screamed:

“FUCK!!!”

I then turned to look at my mother, who’d been watching the process intently.

I was fully aware that I had just done the worst possible swear directly in front of an authority figure and was very probably going to be punished. My mom was looking at me with a blank expression that I was waiting to turn stormy or disappointed.

“That must have hurt a lot,” was all she said.

She helped me throughly clean and bandage the bite. All the babies were born healthy and sound, looking like someone had used a shrink ray on trio of a guinea pigs.

Years later my mother confided in me that contrary to my belief that she’d be angry for swearing what she’d felt for me in that moment was overwhelming pride that in the face of pain and shock I had refused to let harm befall my little charges.

[easternpine]

Write what you know?

Putting myself back in the headspace of being an eight-year-old girl is giving me mild nausea

[enyasaints]

Day 11: Homeless (Make my Bed with me)

For direct aid:

V: Enyasaint

C: $enyasaint

PP: enyasaints@gmail.com

It might look comfy it is only slightly. I try to pad the back seat as much as I can because one seat won’t go down. I feel it when I lay down and go to sleep.

But overall I can sleep relatively well. Not as good as a bed but better than sleeping up right.

The weather is getting bad as in it’s getting hotter and it’s becoming unbearable. It’s going to get to a point where the nights are no longer going to be a cool 50 or 60 degrees. It gets very hot in Texas and I’m already becoming uncomfortable.

I’d like a home to call my own once more and I need everyone’s help. I’m not creative or talented so idk how to keep people engaged long enough to help me. All I can do is continue to post when I don’t feel as discouraged.

I feel discouraged everyday thats why I’m missing posting on certain days. I just feel like I’m going to rot away in my car and die and no one will ever find me.

Please help me get housing $6000 gets a preschool teacher a roof over their head

V: Enyasaint

C: $enyasaint

PP: enyasaints@gmail.com