Tips For Answering Questions

• Never lose your sense of humor
• Do not wait until your child asks to share information. They may never ask and this can send the message that the topic is taboo or off limits
• “Talk until their eyes glaze over”. They will take in what they can and or need to
• Know that information will need to be repeated and reviewed.
• Don’t be mad at questions your child may ask. Ask gently where they heard about that word or activity
• Bedtime is a good time
• Praise maturity
• Set expectations for good manners – remember they won’t always get it right

Sample Responses

• “I don’t know the answer to that, but lets find out together.”
• “I need time to think about this. I promise we will talk about it after… (ex. supper)”
• “My parents never talked about this with me, but I’m really proud that you asked me and I’m going to do my best to answer your question.”
• “I am really proud of you for asking this question and I know that you are grown-up enough to have a scientific answer. But perhaps it would not be a good idea to go to school tomorrow and tell everyone what we’ve talked about. Some parents like to tell their children themselves and their children haven’t asked them yet.”
• “If you want to know more sometime, be sure to ask me again. I’m really proud of you and your question.”