Answering A Childs Questions

Depending on the mood you are in and the amount of time you have, the answer to a question your child asks you may be too short or too lengthy or to the point or too vague. You may even answer without hearing the question (how many of you have done that?)

Children are curious and will ask you lots of questions but how can you keep the answer relevant to them? Well here are four things that will help……

1. Answers should be age appropriate. We know what our children understand and what they don’t so use language they are familiar with.

2. Give them just enough information to satisfy their curiosity. If they want anymore they will ask another question.

3. Keep it short. Long answers will not hold a child’s attention.

4. Be honest and open with your answers.

Do you have anything else to add?

8 Comments for this entry

• 

  Hazel

  January 18th, 2011 on 4:16 pm

  Although I always try to keep my answers age appropriate, I think it is worth using vocabulary and explanations that will stretch them. It is all too easy to talk down to children without realising that they can understand things at a higher level than you gave them credit for. Parents can often be the last people notice that their children are growing up! As you say, if they don’t understand a word you have used they will ask another question.
• 

  Naomi

  January 18th, 2011 on 5:15 pm

  Good idea Hazel – age appropriate is key. I think we can sometimes also over answer a question when all they need is something short and easy to understand. Thank you.
• 

  Amie

  January 19th, 2011 on 9:29 am

  Yes absolutely agree. I also think its fine to be a little imaginative with your answer, using something they can relate to.
  My friends 5 yo recently started asking about where babies come from which has provoked some interesting and very funny conversations!
  She will accept the answer, go away and think about it and then come back for more. She totally gets it, but in a softer, less detailed way!

  just waiting for the next question now!
• 

  Naomi

  January 19th, 2011 on 4:33 pm

  Amie, how sweet is that. I think it is great that children ask so many questions. It shows they want to know. Think it is better to ask lots than none at all. Thank you Amie.
• 

  Jayne Cox

  January 20th, 2011 on 4:19 pm

  As usual Naomi you offer a no nonsense and practical way to help children become grounded and happy individuals.
• 

  Naomi

  January 20th, 2011 on 4:26 pm

  Thank you Jayne for your lovely comment. We really need to give time and patience to our children when they need it when they have inquisitive minds.
• 

  Lori Lite / Stress Free Kids

  January 20th, 2011 on 5:31 pm

  I find the most important thing for me and my child is to give full attention to the question. Answering while reading an email or texting is not a good answer. Children want our full attention even more than the answer…
• 

  Naomi Richards

  January 20th, 2011 on 5:55 pm

  You are so right Lori. Its about full attention too. Thank you for your input.

1 Trackback or Pingback for this entry

• Tweets that mention How to deal with your children's questions | Parenting Advice | The Kids Coach | Life Coaching & Workshops -- Topsy.com, January 19th, 2011 on 4:56 pm

  [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rebekah Harriman, Naomi Richards. Naomi Richards said: 4 ways to answer a child's questions http://bit.ly/gQBTvm #parents #behaviour #children [...]