A new book by Gillian Sandstrom, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life, explores how adults benefit from stepping outside their comfort zones to talk to unfamiliar people. In the article The Hidden Power of Talking to Strangers, an interview with Sandstrom highlights some of these benefits.

In early childhood education, a child thrives when the adults around them are deeply connected. Consider the many “strangers” you meet in your work: a new family touring your program, a new co-worker, or consultants working with you or with the children you care for. Building relationships is essential, and learning to connect with unfamiliar people is a powerful tool. This skill improves our professional work, inspires new perspectives, models healthy social skills for the children watching us, and even has the power to enhance our mood!

While “stranger danger” is a vital safety lesson for the children we care for, as adults and professionals, we enhance “our own well-being, as well as society at large,” by connecting with new people. (Note: Sandstrom emphasizes that this is about everyday, low-stakes adult interactions in safe, public spaces—like chatting with a fellow professional at a conference).

Check out the interview for Sandstrom’s ideas for starting conversations and making connections.