Family Friday: Answering Tough Questions

Answering Tough Questions

                Children love to ask questions!  If you have been around children for any length of time, you have experienced their love of questions.  Sometimes their questions are cute or even laughable, but some of their questions are just hard to answer.  Questions will come up about topics that may embarrass or puzzle you, especially as your children grow older.  These are a few tips to help you cope with those tough questions that are coming!

·          Give simple answers.  The key to the answer sometimes lies in the age and maturity of the one asking the question.  When your child asks a question, answer only what they have asked; this may keep you from starting a discussion that your child is not mature enough to have.

·         Do not lie.  If you do not know the answer, do not make something up.  Making up an answer may satisfy a younger child for a little while, but eventually he will find out that you lied.  That may lead him to question whether you tell him the truth at other times.

·         Take him seriously.  Children do not like to be laughed at, even if the question is amusing.  Do not ignore questions, but do not feel obligated to answer every one.  When children ask questions about our personal life or other areas that really are not any of their business, it is okay to say, “You don’t need to know that right now.”

·         Postpone the answer if you need to do so.  Questions do not have to be answered immediately.  Sometimes you are not in the right place to have a discussion, sometimes there is not enough time and sometimes you need time to think about the question.  Let your child know that you heard his question and plan on answering it at a certain time.  This may not be what he wants to hear, but it will give him security to know that you hear his questions.

·         Take time to pray about answering certain questions.  God can give you the exact words and thoughts you need to explain and handle tough questions, but you need to ask Him for wisdom.  Also, pray for your children to understand the answer to the question.

Life is full of surprises.  Children are full of questions.  If you know some tough questions are coming soon, practice answering them by using some of these tips.  If your children are anything like mine, then your life will never be dull!