Your children have stopped turning to you for answers? Here's why.

Questions

Ethan: Mummy?

Mum: Ya?

Ethan: Can I ask you something?

Mum: mm hmm

Ethan: Why is rainbow arched? And not a straight line?

Mum: Don't know.

Is this a common scenario for you?

Recently, a friend commented, "Kids, nowadays, do not ask their parents anything anymore. Especially not their school work." I asked why, and she explained, " Cos they know they will not receive any answers. "

The fact is, this may not have to be the situation. Parents still play an important role guiding children how and where to source for answers together. Factors that retains respect and interest in your child's communication with you starts from your reactions and solutions.

Reactions:

Instead of a simple "No", you could adopt a listening approach and shows interest in listening in. For example, you could ask "What do you think?" or "It could be ..." or "I am not sure, but ..."

These reactions would show that you are open to discussions and help them, even if you do not know the answer.

Solutions:

Do not be surprise that many people may not know answers to many things that are surrounds us in our daily lives. Yet, it's through the simplest eyes, and budding curiosity of the little ones that help us to realize these.

Instead of stopping at No, or cook up a story, why not acknowledge our ignorance and find answers together. You could sit down with your little one to read through a book, or search Dr. Google together. This would be a great bonding opportunity, as well as a chance to guide them how to find answers.

Most importantly, this is a great way to show our kids, it's alright to not know everything. But it is important to ask and know where to find the answers.