What cautious responses, if any, should be considered by the adults on this forum when answering the questions of children on this forum?

I’m noticing more and more children on this forum. Recently a junior high student asking about dates for the dance.

No complaints really, but I find myself either avoiding them, or answering in a different way… for some reason I don’t know why.

There was another question posted by a 16 year old girl about not having a boyfriend. One of the answers could have been interpreted as a proposition from an adult. I ignored it and let it pass.

But in my year at Fluther, I’ve noticed an influx of younger members. It’s giving me reason to consider answering their questions in a different manner than I would an adult question.

Perhaps the reasoning is because I expect adults to understand adult humor and sarcasm. We’ve earned our adulthood and should not be afraid to express our personalities. But younger teens and children give me reasons for more cautious answers. The big issues in their lives are very serious to them, where I might find them trivial. Though I do enjoy remembering when I felt the same way about things as them.

Do you find yourself speaking differently to the younger members than you do to the adult members? As an adult, are you your true self when speaking with children or younger teens?

Sometimes I ask questions specifically directed to the Ladies, and sometimes I direct them specifically to the Fellas. Should I consider directing some of my questions now to the Kids, and others to the Adults?