Teaching kids the skills they need to feel competent and confident when dealing with adults is a big job. Breaking it down into smaller skill sets makes a big difference. Even shy kids often enjoy answering the phone, so check out this video with your kids and teach them four ways to make a great impression, whether they are placing or answering a call!
The following suggestion is most important for when a child answers the house or family phone. It might not be necessary when everyone in the family has their own cell phone. At a certain age for both boys and girls our children actually begin to sound like their parents and no longer sound like a child. At that point they might be mistaken for the parent whom they sound like. That is when it might be appropriate for them to answer the phone with their name, “Hello, this is Steven, who would you like to speak with?”
Carol, I’ve definitely already mistaken kids for their parents when I call! Great point!