Be your child’s first source of information

Young children first look to their parents for answers. Be prepared to answer. Encouraging your children to ask questions now makes it easier for them to ask questions when they are older.

Parenting tips

Prepare yourself for discussing some of the toughest questions that have to do with the “facts of life” and with death.
Answer children’s questions as they come up and know that a simple, honest answer is all that is needed when they are young.
Try to desensitize yourself if you find that using certain words or phrases embarrasses you.
Be warm and supportive as you give information.
Praise your child for asking questions.
Treat your children’s questions seriously with time and answers that match their age.
Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”
Help your child distinguish between facts/rules and suggestions/opinions.

Activities

Look up answers to questions together.
Give your children the names of safe people and places from which they can obtain information.
Find books for children and read them to yourself to see which ones present material in a way with which yo u’re comfortable .
Make special time for talks about difficult subjects.
Have a serious talk with your child about continuing problems.
Oversee your child’s television viewing.
Talk to your children about what they watch. Ask them what they think about particular shows, and encourage them to ask questions.
Watch programs with your children whenever possible.
Watch how your children react to what’s on the screen. Are they excited? Disturbed? Confused?
Talk about issues that come up on programs, the difference between make-believe and real life, how television characters are like or unlike people you know, and how violence hurts people.
Play “Simon Says” with your children to “practice” giving and following clear messages.
Make up family rules with your children that are clear and simple (e.g., wash hands before dinner) and then have everyone draw pictures to illustrate the rule.