You might not think you have much in common with royalty. But Prince William and Kate Middleton use one simple parenting trick that you might just be familiar with.
Kate and William have three children — Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 4 months. They have a nanny to help them out, naturally, but they also love to be hands on with their kids. In fact, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a knack for interacting with little ones. They've adored kids since long before they had any of their own.
Here's what sets them apart from other royals: Every time Kate and William speak to their children, they squat down to their kids' level. This allows them to make eye contact and really listen to their children. It's quite a different approach from standing up and talking down to them, which can have a more authoritative feel.
Kate and William are so consistent with this technique, in fact, that Queen Elizabeth II once had to scold William to stand up during a ceremony.
The parenting technique is common among child care professionals, who recommend getting down to eye level with babies and children.
By kneeling down, "you can help children feel safer, more in control, and more connected to you," according to child development pros.
The move seems to come naturally to Kate and William, who have both used it with their children for years.
Here, Prince William bends down to speak to his son Prince George. Right beside him, former President Barack Obama does the same thing.
And when it was time for Prince George to start attending school, his new kindergarten teacher did it, too.
The royal couple uses the same method when they interact with other kids.
Visiting kids is something they really love doing!
Not only does bending down make children feel more secure, but it also helps parents. By getting down to a child's level, you're able to better understand them.
And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren't the only royals doing this.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle always bend down to speak to children, too.
Though Harry and Meghan don't have kids of their own yet, Kate and William's family of five makes for an excellent example.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge always put their kids first, and there's no doubt that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will do the same when they start their own family.
Even if it gets them the occasional scolding from the Queen.
Whoops.
