Family and Parenting: Information For Families

There comes a time in your child’s life when topics of life-altering importance come bubbling up to the surface of their curiosity. Even though, as parents, you may not feel that the topics are age-appropriate, or that it’s not quite the right time for your child, you cannot stop the fact that asking these questions are a way of showing you that they are ready to learn.

Before you blow your child’s in-depth questions out the window, or tell them that a stork delivered their baby sister to the doorstep, you may want to stop for ten seconds and resume with an answer such as “Honey, I am glad that you came to me to ask about this. Why don’t you go finish your homework and when you are done we will sit down and have a chat about it, ok?”

Before you unconsciously tell them that the topic is inappropriate, or generally bad, they need to know that you are secure in your open-and-honest relationship with them as their parent. Sometimes parents may feel as though their child is a bit too young for a specific topic, when in fact, the average child may need to know three years prior. Certain issues can be touchy, but the big topics such as sex and inappropriate behavior, should not be held back from fear or general silence. Children as young as four and five need to know what abuse and sexual misconduct are. They need to know topics such as how to handle meeting strangers and other general topics.

It may be somewhat hard to discuss certain issues as your child ages, but the general consensus is that you are better off answering your child in a respectful and adult-like way rather than have them come to you two years too late to inform you that they’ve made the mistake that could’ve been prevented with honesty. Don’t be ashamed, be a good parent. Be an active listener and be an open forum for any questions your child may have. You can have the ears of a friend and still have grounded advice and knowledge of a parent.

You can easily find help on topics that are a little harsh for you to discuss. There are books to be found on any subject. And be aware that the internet is a great place to find informative blogs, school counselors can offer advice for free, and you can even visit your community church for spiritual advice. This is your child and they deserve the best you can give them; communication is free.