Children aren't stupid, adults are inconsiderate to how a child functions.

A child is a little person who, just like adults, understands concepts like good, bad, freedom, imprisonment, hungry, tired, etc. the problem is that children are not given a document that speaks their language, the words we use with kids is radically different from daily life. And when a kid uses a grown up word or phrase, we don't compliment them on their defr use of language - we interrogate them with "where did you learn that" or "who told you that". Imagine if we just did something incredible, like publish a phD dissertation and instead of celebration you were grilled with question that might get you in trouble. Or, at best, the adult is happy that the word was used but ignores or doesn't bring it up again? All that work from the kid and they get nothing for it but more work. So why tell an adult at all? Why show off their ability to learn if it gives them nothing?

Adults also use big words for no good reason. They are oblivious to the fact that kids didn't get 12 years of vocab, reinforced through tests and essays. If adults used simpler words, it would not only solve the communication gap between kids and adults, it would encourage a more clear understanding of what words mean to adults. Calling something egregious is fine but saying "for no reason" means the same thing. Adults do not use words that they teach to children, so ultimately kids view adults as using some crazy legalese or second language to talk to each other and make arrangements.

Clean up the language and celebrate kids as people who are always learning, and they will be happy to communicate to you and with you. That's how we, as adults, can use our experience to help protect kids with their own input. It's how kids are taught to be wary of adults - strange danger is out and communication is now key. Talking with grown ups they know to confirm what they are being asked helps make kids who aren't scared of new things. In fact, they will happily embrace the new stuff as long as they know what to expect.