Body language facts for kids
Body language is a type of communication without words. It's about how we use our actions to share messages. Both people and animals use body language. Sometimes we do it without even thinking, like when we tap our foot if we're impatient. This is different from sign language, which is done on purpose.
Body language includes things like how you stand or sit (your body posture), your gestures (hand movements), your facial expressions (what your face shows), and how you move your eyes.
Your body language can give clues about how you're feeling or what you're thinking. For example, it might show if you're angry, paying attention, bored, relaxed, or happy.
Body language is very important in how we communicate and build relationships. It helps us understand others and for others to understand us, even without speaking. It's useful in friendships, with family, and when you're meeting new people. Body language signals can happen both when we mean them to and when we don't.
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Understanding Body Language Signals
Unlike spoken language, body language isn't always exact. So, you need to be careful when you try to understand it. A certain movement or look might mean a lot, or it might mean nothing at all. Let's look at some common body language signals and what they usually mean.
Positive Body Language
Positive body language usually gives a good idea of how someone is feeling. It often shows that a person is interested in you and what you're saying.
- Relaxed posture: Sitting or standing comfortably, breathing easily, and not looking stiff. This usually means there are no big problems for communication.
- Arms relaxed: Having your arms uncrossed and your hands open (palms up or visible) often shows you are open and honest.
- Good eye contact: Looking into someone's eyes, especially when they are talking, shows you are interested. Remember to look away sometimes so you don't stare!
- Nodding agreement: When you nod your head at important points someone makes, it shows you agree, are interested, and understand. But if you nod constantly without thinking, it might mean you're not really listening.
- Taking notes: This shows you are interested and involved, especially if you're writing down what the other person is saying.
- Smiling or adding humor: This is a very good sign! It shows a friendly and warm relationship.
- Leaning closer: Moving closer to someone, especially when they are talking, means you are very interested and open to them.
- Gesturing warmly: Using your hands when you talk, especially with open palms, shows you are involved in the conversation and open to the other person.
It's good to use these positive gestures in a balanced way. If you exaggerate them too much, they might seem less positive.
Negative Body Language
Negative body language is a bit less certain about how comfortable someone is with a conversation. Actions that seem negative might just be how the person usually sits, or they might be tired, or thinking about other things.
- Body tense: Stiffness, a wrinkled forehead, jerky movements, or hands clasped tightly can show worry about the topic or the person they are with.
- Arms folded in front: This creates a barrier and can show resistance to what is being said.
- Hand on face: Covering your mouth with your hand is a closed gesture. Resting your chin in your hand while leaning on your elbow can mean you're bored.
- Fidgeting: Moving around a lot, playing with objects, or tapping your fingers usually means you are bored, nervous, or impatient.
- Arms behind head, leaning back: In a close relationship, this can be a relaxed pose. But in a new relationship, it often shows a desire to be in control or have power.
- Yawning: This can mean boredom or confusion. Maybe the other person is talking too much or using too many difficult words.
- Impatience: Trying to interrupt someone or opening your mouth often as if to speak can show you're impatient.
- Distraction: Eyes darting around, blank stares, looking at other people, or looking at someone's clothes instead of their eyes can mean you're distracted.
- Leaning away: Not moving closer, even when something is offered to you, is a strong negative sign.
- Negative facial expressions: These include shaking your head, narrowing your eyes, scowling, or frowning.
Images for kids
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Two women talking to each other. Notice the woman in blue has an arm next to her body, whilst the other uses hers to make gestures; both are signs of body language.
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The Tiff, a painting by Canadian artist Florence Carlyle (around 1902).
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Folding your arms and looking away, in body language, can be interpreted as insecurity.
See also
In Spanish: Expresión corporal para niños
