The Best Way to Handle a Child's Embarrassing Questions
Depending on the age of the child, even the most intimate questions can be answered in a "watered-down" version of the truth. Questions on sex are usually what causes parents the most "embarrassment" in answering. But, there should be no embarrassments felt. After all, this is just a part of life. A simple explanation employing little birds and eggs can help to introduce the intimate stories of life to a young child. That can then be extrapolated to include the human female and the internal egg.
Children generally ask intimate questions in bits and pieces. Don't tell them the whole story upfront. Let them be the ones to approach you with a question regarding a "piece" of the puzzle that they need answered. Then, again, water that part of the answer done or give a simple anecdote to help them understand ONLY that piece of the puzzle.
Don't quell a child's embarrassing questions. Remember, YOU are the one that feels the embarrassment, they do NOT intend to make up feel that way. Children LEARN by asking questions. And, depending on how calmly and HONESTLY you answer that question (even if you use a little story to get a simplified point across), your child not only learns about the world around him/her, they also learn that mom and dad can ALWAYS be relied upon to answer any questions and to help with any problems they may face in life, no matter how big or small. What a wonderful opportunity to establish a lifelong trust between parent and child. Don't kick a gift horse in the face!
Published by Mary Pagay
Freelance writer & editor with a proven track record in communications. Solid background in the sciences with knowledge of insurance and the healthcare industries. Knowledge of medical transcription, des... View profile
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